Wolli Creek
Statistical Area - sa2

Wolli Creek lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Wolli Creek's population was approximately 12,364 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,633 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,731. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates and new addresses validated after the census date. Wolli Creek's population density as of August 2025 was around 18,182 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Wolli Creek's population grew by 15.2% between the 2021 Census and June 2024, outpacing both its SA4 region (5.3%) and the state. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.0% of Wolli Creek's overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government projections for areas not covered by these data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Future population trends indicate significant growth, with Wolli Creek expected to increase by approximately 4,500 persons by 2041 based on the latest numbers, reflecting a total increase of around 36.3% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Wolli Creek was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Wolli Creek averaged approximately 60 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 302 homes were approved during this period, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26. On average, 9.8 people moved to Wolli Creek annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $306,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers. This financial year alone has seen $848,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in Wolli Creek's development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Wolli Creek shows comparable new home approvals per capita, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas despite an acceleration in building activity in recent years.

All recent development in Wolli Creek has consisted of attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living and providing more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. By 2041, Wolli Creek is projected to grow by 4,489 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

Wolli Creek has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Wolli Creek and T8 Airport Line Power Supply Upgrade, Bayou Wolli Creek development, Duncan Street Apartment Development, and Rail Service Improvement Program (formerly MTMS) - Central to Hurstville Capital Works. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Wolli Creek performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Wolli Creek has a highly educated workforce with professional services being well-represented. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 1.0%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.5%. In June 2025, 9,836 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Wolli Creek's workforce participation is at 69.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food.

Notably, the concentration in professional & technical services is 1.5 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance employs only 8.7% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 14.1%. Despite being predominantly residential, Wolli Creek offers limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels in Wolli Creek increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 2.6%. During this period, unemployment remained relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight increase in unemployment to 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wolli Creek's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although these figures are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Wolli Creek had a median taxpayer income of $53,017 and an average income of $65,084 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is roughly the national average, differing from Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,702 (median) and $73,291 (average), based on a 12.61% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Wolli Creek's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally in 2021 Census figures, between the 76th and 84th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 42.0% of residents (5,192 people), similar to regional levels at 30.9%. High housing costs consumed 23.2% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 64th percentile. Wolli Creek's SEIFA income ranking was in the 9th decile.

Wolli Creek features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Wolli Creek's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 1.2% houses and 98.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 39.8% houses and 60.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wolli Creek was at 7.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 64.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, aligning with Sydney metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $540, compared to Sydney metro's $2,383 and $480 respectively. Nationally, Wolli Creek's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wolli Creek features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 58.8% of all households, including 14.1% that are couples with children, 38.1% that are couples without children, and 3.7% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.2%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 15.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Wolli Creek exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Wolli Creek is notably high. As of 2016, 62.8% of residents aged 15 years and above held university qualifications, surpassing the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 39.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational pathways accounted for 18.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 8.0%.

Educational participation was also high in Wolli Creek, with 35.0% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 14.7% in tertiary education, 2.3% in primary education, and 1.5% pursuing secondary education. However, educational facilities appeared to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Wolli Creek has eight active public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. Nine different routes operate from these stops, collectively serving 9,366 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Wolli Creek is rated as good, with residents typically living within 247 meters of the nearest stop. On average, there are 1,338 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 1170 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wolli Creek's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Wolli Creek shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The private health cover rate is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~6,478 people). Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 4.0% and 3.8% of residents respectively. A total of 88.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 77.5% in Greater Sydney. Wolli Creek has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (4.2%, or 524 people) than Greater Sydney (16.4%). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

Wolli Creek is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wolli Creek, one of Australia's most culturally diverse areas, has 72.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 75.3% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Wolli Creek, with 28.3%. However, Buddhism stands out at 10.9%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 4.5%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese people make up 32.3% of Wolli Creek's population, substantially higher than the regional average of 12.8%. The 'Other' category comprises 27.5%, also notably higher than the regional average of 21.4%. English ancestry is at 8.6%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation include Korean (1.5% vs regional 0.4%), Vietnamese (2.8% vs 1.3%), and Spanish (0.8% vs 0.9%).

Wolli Creek hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Wolli Creek's median age was 32 in the post-2021 Census data, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's national average of 38. Wolli Creek had a higher percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 (41.9%) compared to Greater Sydney but fewer residents aged 5 to 14 (3.3%). This concentration was significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Census periods, Wolli Creek's median age increased from 30 to 32 years. During this time, the percentage of residents aged 35 to 44 grew from 18.2% to 22.4%, while those aged 45 to 54 increased from 5.7% to 7.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 decreased from 46.4% to 41.9%, and those aged 15 to 24 dropped from 14.3% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Wolli Creek's age profile will change significantly. The 15 to 24 cohort is projected to grow by 97%, adding 1,405 residents to reach a total of 2,853. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decline by 1,254 people.