Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill

Population growth drivers in Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill's population is around 10,466 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,295 people (14.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,171 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,211 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 296 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,948 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill's 14.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 37.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,920 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill has averaged around 52 new dwelling approvals each year, with 261 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. With an average of 5.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $297,000. Additionally, $10.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity shows 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 56.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 438 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Looking ahead, Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill is expected to grow by 1,665 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 42 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Newcastle Future Transit Corridor, Hunter Park Precinct, Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, and The Store Newcastle, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,609 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.7% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 32.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.4% versus the regional average of 5.3%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.4% and the labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 1.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $63,250 with the average level standing at $74,739. This is very high nationally and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $68,854 (median) and $81,361 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 78th percentile ($996 weekly), while household income sits at the 60th percentile. Distribution data shows 34.5% of the population (3,610 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 18.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 58th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 56.5% houses and 43.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill lagged that of Regional NSW, at 24.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.1%) or rented (43.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $1,985, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 58.0% of all households, comprising 19.2% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.0%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 10.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 26.1% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 27.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (20.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 4.3% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 69 active transport stops operating within Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 2,580 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 160 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 6% walking and 5% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 32.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 368 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~5,871 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.2% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,323 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.4% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 93.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill is Christianity, which makes up 33.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill are English, comprising 30.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.4% of Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill (vs 8.0% regionally), Macedonian at 0.4% (vs 0.4%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill's population is younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 34, Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill is considerably lower than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and significantly lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (24.1% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (3.5%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.1 years to 34. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 21.5% to 24.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wickham - Carrington - Tighes Hill. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 29% (733 people), reaching 3,254 from 2,520. Conversely, the 65 to 74 group will contract by 17 residents.