Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah

Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah's population is around 17,152 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,132 people (14.2%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 15,020 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,615 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 757 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 47 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah's growth of 14.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth of 5.1%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 73.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah is forecasted to expand by 7,211 persons, reflecting a gain of 38.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Over the past five financial years, ending 30 June 2025 (FY-25), approximately 224 new homes were approved annually in Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah. This totals to 1,120 homes over these five years. By 30 June 2026 (FY-26), 52 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1.9 new residents arrived per year for each new home approved. However, this figure has increased to 4.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply in housing.

The average construction value of development projects in the area is $369,000, which is lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $101.8 million worth of commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah has seen 136.0% more new home approvals per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice, although construction activity has eased recently. The area's development activity is well above national averages, reflecting strong developer confidence. New development in the area consists of 70.0% detached dwellings and 30.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options to cater to different price brackets and lifestyle demands.

This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (96.0%). With around 148 people per dwelling approval, Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add approximately 6,674 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Stockton Rifle Range Development - Fern Bay, Medowie Precinct F Residential Development, The Gardens Medowie, and Medowie New High School. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%.

As of June 2025, 7,572 residents are employed, which is 0.3% below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stands at 60.7%, close to the regional average of 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Public administration & safety has a particular focus with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.7%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Labour force data for the area shows a decrease of 4.3% and employment decline of 4.5% over one year, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's employment contraction of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and unemployment increase of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data for NSW as of Nov-25 indicates a slight employment contraction of 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah SA2 has a median income of $52,518 and an average income of $64,307. This is comparable to national averages but higher than the Rest of NSW's figures, which are $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average). Based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah SA2 would be approximately $59,141 (median) and $72,416 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in this area rank modestly, between the 39th and 51st percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 34.8% of the population (5,968 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the regional average of 29.9%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income in this area, but strong earnings result in disposable income ranking at the 52nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah was at 36.5%, with the rest mortgaged (42.6%) or rented (20.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $1,733. The median weekly rent was $400, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $360. Nationally, Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 and rents were also higher at $400.

Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.4% of all households, consisting of 36.1% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.6%, with lone person households at 18.9% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (35.1%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.4% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 266 active public transport stops in Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah area, comprising various bus services. These stops are serviced by 130 individual routes, collectively providing 1596 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 214 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 228 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is more prevalent here than the average SA2 area, at approximately 52% of the total population (~8,901 people), compared to 49.3% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.1 and 10.0% of residents respectively. 62.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.3% in Rest of NSW. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,397 people), lower than the 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah has a cultural diversity index below average, with 90.3% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 55.3% of the population, compared to 57.4% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.8%), English (31.1%), and Scottish (7.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.2%, Maltese at 0.7%, and Welsh at 0.6%.

Williamtown - Medowie - Karuah's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in the area of Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The percentage of individuals aged 5-14 in this area is notably higher at 13.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 85 and above are under-represented at 1.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.7% to 6.7%, while the percentage of individuals aged 5-14 has decreased from 14.9% to 13.5%. Population projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Williamtown-Medowie-Karuah, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow substantially by 61%, increasing from 1,816 to 2,933 people.