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 had a population of roughly 5,443 as of May 2026, according to analysis by AreaSearch. Compared to the 5,395 residents counted in the 2021 Census, this represents a growth of 48 individuals, or 0.9%. This estimate is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 5,437 combined with 28 validated new addresses recorded after the Census. The region has a density of 88 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and room for potential expansion. The 0.9% growth rate is 2.7 percentage points lower than the 3.6% growth observed in the broader SA3 region, showing relatively competitive growth metrics. The primary source of growth was interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 38.8% of the population increase, with natural increase and overseas migration also contributing positively.

Projections for each SA2 region rely on 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia data with a 2022 baseline. For areas where this is unavailable, the 2022 NSW State Government projections with a 2021 baseline are used. Growth by age category from these datasets is applied to all locations for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on recent annual ERP figures, Wingham is expected to follow the lower quartile growth trends seen outside capital cities, adding 96 people by 2041. This represents a total population increase of 1.6% over a 16-year period.

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

An average of 12 new dwellings are approved annually in Wingham, with 64 approvals recorded over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 11 during FY-26 so far. Even with a declining population, this level of building activity has been relatively sufficient, which is positive for home buyers. The average estimated construction cost for these new homes is $271,000, which is below the regional norm and provides affordable options. Commercial approvals have reached $4.0 million this financial year, reinforcing the mostly residential profile of the area.

Residential building activity in Wingham is 55.0% below the regional average per capita for the Rest of NSW. This low supply of new housing typically supports prices and demand for existing homes. The building rate is also lower than the national average, indicating a mature market and potential development limitations. All new residential constructions have been detached houses, which preserves the low-density nature of the area and attracts buyers seeking family homes with yard space. There are approximately 572 residents for every new dwelling approval, highlighting the quiet pace of local development.

The latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch indicate that Wingham is projected to add 90 residents by 2041. Current rates of construction suggest that the housing supply will be sufficient to meet this demand, supporting buyers and potentially allowing growth to outpace current projections.

Wingham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Developments in local planning, major projects, and infrastructure shape the performance of the region. AreaSearch has identified 9 projects that are expected to impact the local community. The key projects include Wingham Central Park Master Plan, Wingham Residential Development, Manning River Underbore - New Water Supply Pipeline to Wingham, and Pacific Highway - Harrington Road Interchange, with the main relevant listings detailed below.

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.

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

Wingham features an even split between blue-collar and white-collar workers, with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of 5.5%. As of March 2026, there are 2,237 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 1.3% higher than the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%, and participation in the labour force is low at 52.8% compared to the regional benchmark of 60.6%. Census data shows only 6.1% of residents worked from home, though this figure was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

The major employing sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Health care & social assistance is a key local specialty, employing 1.5 times the regional proportion of workers. In contrast, public administration & safety employs only 3.6% of workers, compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The comparison between the resident workforce and the local job count suggests that local employment opportunities are limited.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local labour force contracted by 3.4% and total employment fell by 3.9%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Regional NSW recorded a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% drop in the labour force, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 national employment projections show expected trends in demand. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these national sector trends directly to the local employment structure suggests Wingham's employment could grow by 6.5% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming local trends mirror national ones without adjusting for local population projections.

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

ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show Wingham SA2 incomes are below the national average. Taxpayers in Wingham SA2 recorded a median income of $42,771 and an average income of $49,523, compared to the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $47,185 for the median and $54,634 for the average. In the 2021 Census, Wingham's personal, family, and household incomes placed between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationwide. The largest earnings bracket is the $800 - 1,499 range, containing 29.3% of local taxpayers (1,594 people), whereas the wider region peaks in the $1,500 - 2,999 range at 29.9%. Housing affordability is low, with residents keeping only 84.3% of their income, placing the area in the 9th percentile.

Wingham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The housing stock in Wingham at the last Census consisted of 92.1% separate houses and 8.0% alternative housing types, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 82.6% separate houses and 17.4% other options across Regional NSW. Home ownership is high, with 44.6% of residents owning their properties outright, while 32.0% have mortgages and 23.5% rent. The median monthly mortgage cost was $1,371 and the median weekly rent was $306, both below the Regional NSW averages of $1,733 and $330. Wingham's housing costs are also lower than the national averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for weekly rent.

Wingham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up 66.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 22.0%, couples without children at 27.7%, and single parent households at 15.5%. The remaining 33.3% are non-family households, including single-person households at 30.8% and group living situations at 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, slightly below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The region exhibits lower rates of higher education, with 11.9% of residents holding university qualifications compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents a potential focus area for educational development. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees account for 8.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 42.4% of the population aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, including advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 33.7%.

A total of 26.8% of the local population is enrolled in education, showing high participation. This cohort includes 10.6% in primary school, 8.3% in secondary school, and 1.7% in tertiary programs.

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

Public transport services in Wingham include 238 stops across a combination of train and bus networks. These stops serve 24 separate routes, delivering 628 passenger trips every week. Accessibility is high, with the average distance to a stop being 140 meters. The majority of residents commute outside the area for work, and private vehicles are the dominant mode of travel at 94%. Dwellings have an average of 1.4 vehicles. About 6.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.

Services run at an average frequency of 89 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 2 weekly trips per stop. The map details the 100 closest transport stops to the centre of Wingham.

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

Wingham faces notable health issues based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness rates, with health conditions prevalent across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low at 46% of the population (~2,503 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent health issues locally are arthritis and mental health conditions, each affecting 11.3% of the population. Meanwhile, 57.6% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Chronic conditions are elevated among the working-age population. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 27.5% of the population (1,494 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health indicators are generally consistent with national averages.

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 has a low level of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 91.7% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 92.9%, and English-only speakers at home making up 97.5%. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 56.7% of Wingham residents, which is similar to the 55.9% average across Regional NSW.

The primary ancestral backgrounds in Wingham are Australian at 34.9%, English at 34.9%, and Scottish at 7.8%. There are also differences in specific ethnic groups, with Aboriginal Australians representing 5.3% of the population compared to 4.6% in the wider region, and Maltese descendants representing 0.4%, matching the regional share of 0.4%.

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

Wingham's median age of 47 is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age group is overrepresented at 15.1%, while the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller at 9.7% than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 demographic grew from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age bracket decreased from 10.3% to 9.1%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.3% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic shifts are expected to result in a 15% increase in the 45 to 54 age group, growing by 82 people to 641 from 558, while the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 demographics are projected to shrink.