Wolli Creek

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wolli Creek's population is around 12,370 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,639 people (15.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,731 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,353 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 65 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 18,191 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Wolli Creek's 15.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.6%) 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 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 4,500 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 36.2% in total over the 17 years.

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 has averaged around 60 new dwelling approvals per year, with 302 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. With an average of 9.8 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 $222,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $848,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Wolli Creek shows comparable new home approvals (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Looking ahead, Wolli Creek is expected to grow by 4,483 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wolli Creek 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 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Wolli Creek and T8 Airport Line Power Supply Upgrade, Bayou Wolli Creek, Duncan Street Apartment Development, and the Rail Service Improvement Program (formerly MTMS) - Central to Hurstville Capital Works, 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 of employment trends sees Wolli Creek performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Wolli Creek features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and 5.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,152 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.2% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (91.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 50.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 8.7% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 14.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.4% and labour force increased by 5.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.2%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wolli Creek. 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 Wolli Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Wolli Creek SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $55,685 and an average of $67,631 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is approximately average nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,619 (median) and $73,623 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Wolli Creek, between the 75th and 84th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 42.0% of residents (5,195 people), mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 23.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 64th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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

Dwelling structure within Wolli Creek, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 1.2% houses and 98.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wolli Creek was lagging that of Sydney metro, at 7.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.3%) or rented (64.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Sydney metro average at $2,383, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $540, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Wolli Creek's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 58.8% of all households, comprising 14.1% couples with children, 38.1% couples without children, and 3.7% 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Wolli Creek significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 62.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 39.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (8.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in tertiary education, 2.3% in primary education, and 1.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 11 active transport stops operating within Wolli Creek, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 10,372 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 246 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the train is the most common mode at 45%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 50.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,481 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 942 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Wolli Creek, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~6,506 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 4.0 and 3.8% of residents, respectively, while 88.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 4.7% of residents aged 65 and over (583 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 72.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 75.3% born overseas. The main religion in Wolli Creek is Christianity, making up 28.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 10.9% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wolli Creek are Chinese, comprising 32.3% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%), Other, comprising 27.5% of the population (substantially higher than the regional average of 16.0%), and English, comprising 8.6% of the population (notably lower than the regional average of 19.0%). Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Korean is overrepresented at 1.5% in Wolli Creek (vs 1.1% regionally), Vietnamese at 2.8% (vs 1.8%), and Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.6%).

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

At 32 years, Wolli Creek's median age is materially younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and also significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Sydney, Wolli Creek has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (40.5%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (3.4%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows demographic aging is evident, with the median age advancing from 30 to 32 years. Key changes show the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 18.2% to 23.0% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 5.7% to 7.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 46.4% to 40.5% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 14.3% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Wolli Creek's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 30%, adding 1,524 residents to reach 6,529. On the other hand, the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decline by 1,326 people.