Wingham

Wingham is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Wingham's population is around 5,432 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 37 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,395 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,400 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 88 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 56.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of locations outside capital cities is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 128 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.7% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Wingham is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Wingham has experienced approximately 12 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 64 homes were approved, with another 6 approved in FY-26 as of now. Despite population decline, this level of development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average expected construction cost for new homes is $271,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. This financial year, there have been $4.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wingham has seen a substantial reduction in construction activity, with 55.0% fewer new properties built per person than the regional average. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Wingham also reflects lower levels of new construction, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

All new constructions have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 571 people, reflecting a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wingham is expected to grow by 93 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wingham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Nine projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area's performance. These include Manning River Underbore - New Water Supply Pipeline to Wingham, planned for completion in 2023; Wingham Residential Development, expected to finish in mid-2024; Wingham Central Park Master Plan, scheduled for completion in late 2025; and Pacific Highway - Harrington Road Interchange, set for completion by the end of 2026. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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The labour market performance in Wingham lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Wingham has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, and the unemployment rate is 5.3%.

As of September 2025, 2,318 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.3%, which is 1.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wingham is at 48.3%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 3.6%, compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels remained unchanged while employment decreased by 1.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wingham's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Wingham SA2's median income among taxpayers was $40,800 in financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $47,836 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $45,945 and an average income of $53,868 as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Wingham all fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the predominant cohort spans 29.3% of locals (1,591 people) with incomes in the $800 - 1,499 category, differing from the regional trend where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wingham, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Wingham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Wingham, as per the latest Census, 92.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.0% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wingham stood at 44.6%, with mortgaged properties at 32.0% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,371, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,430. Weekly rent in Wingham was $306, slightly higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $300. Nationally, Wingham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,371 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wingham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.7% of all households, including 22.0% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 15.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the Rest of NSW average.

Wingham faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (33.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.6% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

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

Wingham has 174 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 27 different routes that collectively facilitate 799 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 140 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 114 trips per day, equating to approximately four weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Wingham is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wingham faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 2,498 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (11.3%). About 57.6% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of NSW at 57.7%. Approximately 26.4%, or 1,436 people, are aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of NSW's 30.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Wingham are better than those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Wingham placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wingham had a cultural diversity index below average, with 91.7% citizens, 92.9% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.7%, compared to 57.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (34.9%), English (34.9%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 5.3%, matching the regional percentage, while Maltese were also present at 0.4%.

Wingham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Wingham's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 15.3%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 9.2% compared to the Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.6% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 10.3% to 9.2%. By 2041, Wingham's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 15%, reaching 646 people from 562. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.