Wollongong - East

Wollongong - East 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, Wollongong - East's population is around 18,013 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,993 people (12.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,020 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,789 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 771 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,275 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wollongong - East's 12.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.5%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 82.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 14,482 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 79.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Wollongong - East has averaged around 320 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 1,603 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26273 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $353,000. Additionally, $126.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to the Rest of NSW, Wollongong - East records 235.0% more construction activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. This level is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 1.0% detached dwellings and 99.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. At around 78 people per approval, Wollongong - East reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Wollongong - East will gain 14,258 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.

Wollongong - East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 38 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Wollongong to Coniston Rail Infrastructure Upgrade, the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), 21 Auburn Street, Wollongong, and the Level 33 Crown Street Development, 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.

Wollongong - East shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Wollongong - East has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 6.3%, and 1.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,427 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (67.2% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 35.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.1% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. With 1.4 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.3% alongside the labour force increasing by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wollongong - East. 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 Wollongong - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Wollongong - East SA2's income level is well above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Wollongong - East SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,652 and the average income stands at $74,708, compared to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,760 (median) and $81,327 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($892 weekly), while household income sits at the 40th percentile. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 33.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,980 residents), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Wollongong - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 8.5% houses and 91.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wollongong - East lagged that of Regional NSW at 25.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (18.0%) or rented (56.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $1,987, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $410, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Wollongong - East's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Wollongong - East features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 49.7% of all households, comprising 11.0% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 50.3%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households comprising 10.9% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Wollongong - East significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 25.2% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 26.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (19.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.4% in tertiary education, 3.6% in primary education, and 3.1% 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 99 active transport stops operating within Wollongong - East, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 79 individual routes, collectively providing 6,269 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 115 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 75%, with 14% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 35.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 895 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Wollongong - East is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population across older, at risk cohorts

Wollongong - East demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and at-risk cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~10,105 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.0% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,289 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Wollongong - East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wollongong - East is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 30.8% of its population born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Wollongong - East is Christianity, which makes up 45.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 4.1% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wollongong - East are English, comprising 24.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.5%; Australian, comprising 19.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.0%; and Other, comprising 11.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.8%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Wollongong - East (vs 0.4% regionally), Serbian at 0.8% (vs 0.2%), and Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.3%).

Wollongong - East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 34, Wollongong - East is considerably lower than the Regional NSW figure of 43 and similarly significantly lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (28.5% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (3.7%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.7 years to 34. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 24.1% to 28.5% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 9.7% to 8.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wollongong - East. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 90% (4,618 people), reaching 9,754 from 5,135.