Wollongong - West

Wollongong - West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Wollongong - West's population is approximately 17,423 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 872 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,551. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: Wollongong - West's population was around 17,352 in June 2024, with an additional 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,078 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Wollongong - West's growth rate of 5.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA3 area (4.0%) and non-metro areas, indicating strong population growth in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Wollongong - West's population is forecasted to increase by 6,000 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 34.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wollongong - West recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Wollongong - West saw approximately 81 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totaling 408 homes from FY21 to FY25. An additional 4 homes have been approved in FY26 so far. The average population increase per dwelling built during this period was 0.2 people per year.

This suggests that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these properties was $582,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY26, $28.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to the rest of NSW. However, Wollongong - West has 17.0% less new development per person when measured against Rest of NSW and ranks at the 49th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity in Wollongong - West is predominantly medium to high-density housing, with 80.0% of approvals falling into this category, while detached houses account for 20.0%.

This shift from the area's current housing composition (48.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 336 people per dwelling approval, Wollongong - West exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 5,929 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Wollongong - West 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 28 projects likely to influence the area. Notable projects include Wollongong Hospital Redevelopment - Planning and Equipment Upgrades, Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy, Kenny Street Mixed-Use Tower, and Wollongong Hospital ED Short Stay Units. The following list details those most relevant.

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 assessment indicates Wollongong - West faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Wollongong - West has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 7.2% as of June 2021.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 0.7%. As of June 2025, 9,190 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.6% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Wollongong - West is at 60.9%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 56.4%.

The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 5.3%. An analysis of SALM and ABS data over the 12 months to June 2025 shows employment increased by 0.7%, labour force increased by 0.5%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wollongong - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Wollongong - West SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $45,231 and the average income stands at $61,814. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Wollongong - West SA2 would be approximately $50,935 (median) and $69,609 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Wollongong - West rank modestly, between the 39th and 41st percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,401 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wollongong - West, with only 81.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Wollongong - West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Wollongong - West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 47.8% of dwellings were houses, with 52.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wollongong - West stood at 26.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 47.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. Median weekly rent in Wollongong - West was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Wollongong - West's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 59.6% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 40.4%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households making up 10.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Wollongong - West significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 36.9% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%).

Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.8% of residents aged 15 years and over holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (20.1%). Educational participation is notably high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in tertiary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Wollongong - West has 127 active public transport stops. These include both train and bus services. There are 61 individual routes operating in total, providing 5,441 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Residents have excellent accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 139 meters to the nearest one. Across all routes, service frequency averages 777 trips per day, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per stop.

Wollongong - West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Wollongong - West residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (~8,816 people), lower than the 56.6% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues impact 10.2%, while arthritis affects 7.2%. About 69.5% declare no medical ailments, compared to 68.6% in Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 13.6% (2,369 people), lower than the 17.7% in Rest of NSW. Overall health profile is broadly similar to general population.

Wollongong - West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wollongong-West had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 32.4% of its population born overseas and 30.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Wollongong-West, comprising 49.2% of the population. Islam was notably overrepresented, making up 4.6% compared to the regional average of 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.0%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (12.3%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Macedonian was at 4.2% versus 1.5% regionally, Serbian at 2.2% versus 0.8%, and Croatian at 1.0% versus 0.7%.

Wollongong - West hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Wollongong-West is 33 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and substantially under the national average of 38. The 25-34 cohort makes up 22.3% of the population in Wollongong-West, notably higher than Rest of NSW's average, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 7.0%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 19.0% to 22.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Wollongong-West, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 59% (adding 2,296 people), reaching a total of 6,184 from the current figure of 3,887.