Area profile · Rest of NSW
Wollongong - West has an estimated 17,678 residents, up 6.8% since the 2021 Census, with 10 projects tracked in Wollongong - West.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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The Wollongong - West Statistical Area (Lv2) occupies an enviable position 69 kilometres south-southwest from Sydney CBD, celebrated for its harmony of scenic coastal landscape and vibrant urban amenity. Framed by pristine beaches, dramatic escarpments, and lush rainforests, the picturesque coastal town in NSW, Australia, sustains an active outdoor lifestyle complemented by an appealing arts and culture scene, diverse public art, museums, galleries, and a thriving cafe and dining culture. Supported by high-caliber educational institutions and a healthy local economy, the community exhibits a solid civic spirit. In terms of demographic expansion, the location displays moderate expansion patterns, with AreaSearch determining that the population stands at approximately 17,678 as of August 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,127 people (6.8%) from the 16,551 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, an adjustment informed by the ABS estimated resident population (ERP) of 17,595 recorded as of June 2025 and an additional 271 validated new addresses registered since the Census date.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The Wollongong - West Statistical Area (Lv2) occupies an enviable position 69 kilometres south-southwest from Sydney CBD, celebrated for its harmony of scenic coastal landscape and vibrant urban amenity. Framed by pristine beaches, dramatic escarpments, and lush rainforests, the picturesque coastal town in NSW, Australia, sustains an active outdoor lifestyle complemented by an appealing arts and culture scene, diverse public art, museums, galleries, and a thriving cafe and dining culture. Supported by high-caliber educational institutions and a healthy local economy, the community exhibits a solid civic spirit. In terms of demographic expansion, the location displays moderate expansion patterns, with AreaSearch determining that the population stands at approximately 17,678 as of August 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,127 people (6.8%) from the 16,551 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, an adjustment informed by the ABS estimated resident population (ERP) of 17,595 recorded as of June 2025 and an additional 271 validated new addresses registered since the Census date.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 14,827 in 2001 and 17,595 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 17,678 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 22.1%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 31%.
Wollongong - West ranks in the 99th percentile nationally for amenities and the 86th for transport & access.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Wollongong - West is $618 a week, up 6.2% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 7% above Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 3.7%.
7% above Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $480 in 2017, $698 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $375 in 2017, $589 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/483 Crown Street, West Wollongong NSW 2500 | $680,000 | 21 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 1/22 Vickery Street, Gwynneville NSW 2500 | $610,000 | 21 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 32 Rosemont Street, West Wollongong NSW 2500 | $1,500,000 | 20 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 17 Kirala Avenue, Mangerton NSW 2500 | $1,390,000 | 16 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 4/20 Hercules Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 | $630,000 | 16 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 14 Highway Avenue, West Wollongong NSW 2500 | $1,400,000 | 15 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 1/3 Gilmore Street, West Wollongong NSW 2500 | $1,150,000 | 15 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 7/12 Gladstone Avenue, Wollongong NSW 2500 | $640,000 | 15 Oct 2026 | Unit |
| 14 Robinson Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 | $1,200,000 | 14 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 5/142 Gladstone Avenue, Coniston NSW 2500 | $520,000 | 9 Oct 2026 | Unit |
The 10 most recent of the 49 residential sales recorded since 27 Jul 2026 (the latest settled 21 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 49, houses and units together, was $890,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $618 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +6.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 3.7% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $1.18m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $700k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $890,000 | Median of the 49 most recent residential sales, settled 27 Jul 2026 to 21 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $698 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +7.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $589 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 3.0% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 4.2% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Wollongong | $678 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Wollongong, over 12 months | +6.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Illawarra | $689 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Illawarra, over 12 months | +6.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 120 tracked applications: 43 approved, 25 under assessment, 52 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Wollongong - West, then export the list.
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AreaSearch tracks 10 projects in Wollongong - West and 106 more in the surrounding area.
The NSW Government invested $21.9 million to upgrade Wollongong Hospital, delivering a new MRI machine and CT scanner housed in a new medical imaging suite within the hospital atrium, closer to the Emergency Department for faster diagnostics.
A proposed 12-storey western wing expansion of Wollongong Private Hospital, operated by Ramsay Health Care, at the corner of Crown Street and Urunga Parade, Wollongong.
Expansion of Wollongong Hospital's Emergency Short Stay Area adjacent to the Emergency Department. The project created a larger purpose-built short stay area and increased treatment spaces from 10 to 16, supporting short-term admitted care for patients generally staying 4 to 24 hours and improving patient flow through the ED.
A low-rise residential development at 2-8 Highway Avenue, West Wollongong comprising 17 dwellings: 15 two-storey townhouses and 2 single-storey accessible villas arranged in rows, with 34 resident and 8 visitor parking spaces.
Summit Wollongong is a high-density mixed-use development featuring two residential towers of 18 and 19 storeys. The project delivers 334 luxury residences, including 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments and penthouses, built above a five-storey podium containing 1200sqm of retail and commercial space.
Deferred development consent has been granted for demolition of the existing dwellings and outbuildings, removal of six trees, construction of six 3 bedroom multi-dwelling townhouse units and strata subdivision into six lots at 11 and 13 St Johns Avenue, Mangerton.
A $20 million social and affordable housing development consisting of 27 apartments. Managed by Housing Trust, the project provides secure housing for frontline workers, older women, and families impacted by domestic violence. The design emphasizes sustainability and community connection in central Wollongong.
The Wollongong to Coniston Infrastructure Upgrade is part of the NSW Government's More Trains, More Services program. It upgrades the rail corridor on the South Coast Line between Wollongong and Coniston, including replacing cables and overhead wiring at the Coniston substation, installing new corridor infrastructure, modifying electrical assets and…
Approved 18-storey mixed-use development at 22-30 Kenny Street, anchored by the planned Avani Wollongong Hotel and residential apartments above. The approved scheme includes 107 hotel suites, 105 apartments, ground-floor food, drink and commercial uses, basement parking, communal open space, a gym and pool. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2027.
A major urban renewal initiative by Homes NSW to transform the 131-lot Irvine Street precinct into a diverse residential area. The project aims to deliver up to 1,250 new dwellings, with a 50 percent allocation for social and affordable housing (625 homes) to replace ageing 1950s stock.
$58 million, 16-storey mixed-use development by the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, consolidating diocesan and Catholic Education offices across five commercial floors and housing over 350 employees.
A landmark multi-stage masterplanned residential and commercial precinct at the gateway to Wollongong CBD facing Mount Keira. Stage 1 is under construction delivering 150 thoughtfully designed apartments (including affordable and NDIS specialist disability housing) alongside ground-floor retail and communal open spaces.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 71 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 1, 2026 21, 2027 29, 2028 7, 2029 6, 2030 3, 2031 1, 2032 1, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1, 2036 1. 21 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 120 substantial development applications lodged in and around Wollongong - West over the past 5 years, 83 in the last 12 months; 25 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 1, 2022 19, 2023 3, 2024 9, 2025 5, 2026 (to Nov) 83.
Key application 379 Crown Street Mixed Use | $64m | 91 dwellings Under Assessment
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 120 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 83 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 6.8 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 74th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 115 | ABS building approvals | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 43 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 25 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Wollongong - West SA2 include: Wollongong Private Hospital Expansion (Under Assessment); Fairy Creek Corridor Master Plan (Approved); Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy (Approved); Wollongong Hospital Redevelopment - Equipment Upgrades (Completed); and Wollongong to Coniston Rail Infrastructure Upgrade (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Wollongong - West SA2 spans multiple sectors including Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, Health, and Health & Medical, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Wollongong - West among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide.
Dwelling approval activity in the Wollongong - West SA2 area has seen 351 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Wollongong - West SA2's current population of 17,678 has been supported by 115 approvals on average over recent years.
The Wollongong - West SA2 has seen 6.8 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 185 people in the Wollongong - West SA2, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Wollongong - West SA2's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 115, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the Wollongong - West SA2 has grown by approximately 537 people, while 577 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 0.9 people added for each new dwelling approval. This low ratio indicates housing supply is outpacing population growth, potentially creating market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Wollongong - West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,678 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +6.8% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Population density | 3,124 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 86th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 16,551 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 1,127 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 5.66 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Wollongong - West SA2 was estimated to be approximately 17,678 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 17,595 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The wollongong - west sa2 has added approximately 1,127 people and shown a 6.81% increase from the 16,551 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Wollongong - West SA2 is estimated at 3,123 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Wollongong - West SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.3% per annum.
Population growth in the Wollongong - West SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (82.7%), Natural increase (17.3%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 82.7% of overall population gains.
Wollongong - West hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 33 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 16th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 14.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 13.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 39.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 54.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 34 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 8.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 17.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 22.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 13.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 10.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 9.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 7.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 4.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 2.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Wollongong - West SA2 at 33 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 34 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 33 years as at August 2026, Wollongong - West is 10 years younger than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) and 5 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Wollongong - West SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 22.1% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Wollongong - West SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 65 - 74 group, making up 7.0% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Wollongong - West SA2 show significant variance compared to Regional NSW. The most over-represented age groups are 25-34 year-olds (22.1% vs 11.5%) and 15-24 year-olds (17.5% vs 11.8%). The most under-represented age groups are 65-74 year-olds (7.0% vs 12.3%) and 75-84 year-olds (4.8% vs 8.2%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 13.6% of the population in the Wollongong - West SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 14.0% of the population in the Wollongong - West SA2 as at August 2026.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $50,276 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 16th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $66,042 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,595 | 2021 Census, weekly | 41st percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $755 | 2021 Census, weekly | 39th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 21.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,082 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 24.9% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Wollongong - West SA2 is approximately $53,484. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $50,276.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Wollongong - West SA2 is approximately $70,255. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $66,042.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Wollongong - West SA2 is approximately $53,484 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $50,276 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Wollongong - West SA2 is approximately $70,255 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $66,042 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Wollongong - West SA2's households (~31.0% / 2,029 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Wollongong - West SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 31.0% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Wollongong - West SA2 is $1,595/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Wollongong - West SA2 is $2,082/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Wollongong - West SA2 is $755/wk.
The Wollongong - West SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $50,276 and an average of $66,042 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $55,733 and average income of $69,112. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $53,484 (median) and $70,255 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Wollongong - West SA2 is $5,614 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The wollongong - west sa2's disposable income is $5,614 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
AreaSearch analysis reveals Wollongong - West recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 67.7% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 9,628 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 16,843 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 10,364 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Wollongong - West SA2 has approximately 9,628 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 7.1%. The elevated unemployment rate suggests challenging labour market conditions. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Wollongong - West SA2 stands at 7.1%, which is 3.0 percentage points above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Wollongong - West SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (20.0% of employment), education & training (11.6%), and retail trade (9.6%). Other significant employers include accommodation & food and professional & technical.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Wollongong - West SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Wollongong - West SA2 is 67.7%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate leading the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The wollongong - west sa2 shows notable specialisation in health care & social assistance, which employs 20.0% of the local workforce compared to 16.9% across Regional NSW. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The wollongong - west sa2's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 2.2% growth, ranking 17th out of 37 regions nationally.
The educational profile of Wollongong - West ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 23.4% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 10.8% | 2021 Census | 78th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 36.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 20.1% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.7% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 9.7% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 33.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 34.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 13.0% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 7.4% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 6.1% | 2021 Census | 15th percentile nationally |
36.9% of people aged 15 and over in the Wollongong - West SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
33.3% of people aged 15 and over in the Wollongong - West SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The wollongong - west sa2 ranks in the 66th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Wollongong - West SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (23.4%), Certificate (20.1%), Postgraduate (10.8%).
34.0% of the population in the Wollongong - West SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 7.4% in primary school, 6.1% in secondary school, 13.0% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Wollongong - West SA2 is 1057, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 9 schools within the Wollongong - West SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 2,407 students.
The wollongong - west sa2 includes 6 primary schools, 3 combined schools.
Wollongong - West features high concentrations of group households and lone person households but relatively few family households, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.4 people | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 29.8% | 2021 Census | 70th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 24.4% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 23.9% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 9.8% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 10.6% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 6,539 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 6,984 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 59.6% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.3 per family | 2021 Census | 15th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Wollongong - West SA2 had 6,539 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 6.8% to an estimated 6,984 households today.
The average household size in the Wollongong - West SA2 is 2.4 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 59.6% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (29.8%), group households (10.6%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 3,897 family households, couples with children account for 24.4% of all households, couples without children at home 23.9%, and single parent families 9.8%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Wollongong - West SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Group households are notably over-represented at 10.6% (versus 3.3% in Regional NSW). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 59.6% compared to 68.8% in Regional NSW. The prevalence of shared households suggests a younger demographic or affordability considerations.
Families in the Wollongong - West SA2 have an average of 1.3 children, slightly below the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 37.3% of the adult population are currently married, while 47.0% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 29.8% of all households in the Wollongong - West SA2, similar to the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 10.6% of households, above the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 32.4% | 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 30.2% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 69.8% | 2021 Census | 24th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 80.5% | 2021 Census | 24th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 67.6% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 1.6% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
Wollongong - West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 32.4% of its population born overseas and 30.2% speaking a language other than English at home.
The main religion in Wollongong - West was found to be Christianity, which makes up 49.2% of people in Wollongong - West. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 4.6% 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 - West are English, comprising 22.0% of the population, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's 30.5%, Australian, comprising 21.0% of the population, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's 30.0%, and Other, comprising 12.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than Regional NSW's 4.8%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 4.2% of Wollongong - West (vs 0.4% across Regional NSW), Serbian at 2.2% (vs 0.2%) and Croatian at 1.0% (vs 0.3%).
32.4% of the Wollongong - West SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
30.2% of the population in the Wollongong - West SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
1.6% of the Wollongong - West SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
80.5% of the Wollongong - West SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Wollongong - West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 47.7% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 26.7% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 47.8% | 2021 Census | 13th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,000 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 64th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 25.6% | 2021 Census | 15th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 16.6% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $380 | 2021 Census, weekly | 54th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 23.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 75th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 28.9% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 85th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.9 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
In the Wollongong - West SA2, 26.7% of homes are owned outright, 25.6% are owned with a mortgage, and 47.7% are rented.
According to the latest data, 47.8% of dwellings in the Wollongong - West SA2 are houses.
In the Wollongong - West SA2, 35.3% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 16.6% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Wollongong - West SA2 stands at 26.7%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Wollongong - West SA2 is $2,000, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Wollongong - West SA2 is $1,297, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Wollongong - West SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 28.9% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 23.8% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Wollongong - West SA2 is 0.9, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Wollongong - West SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 28.9% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 23.8% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Wollongong - West SA2 consists of 47.8% detached houses, 16.6% semi-detached dwellings, 35.3% apartments, and 0.3% other dwelling types.
Housing in Wollongong - West consumes approximately 18.8% of median household income ($6,906 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Wollongong - West show attached dwellings contributing 90% of approvals compared to 52% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 10% of applications versus 48% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Wollongong - West is experiencing exceptional growth in housing density, ranking in the top 10% nationally.
Health in Wollongong - West: private health cover 50.4%, no long-term health condition 69.5%.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 50.4% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 32nd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 69.5% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 6.2% | 2021 Census | 64th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 75.4% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.2% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
Around 50.4% of people in the Wollongong - West SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Wollongong - West SA2, 6.2% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
7.2% of people in the Wollongong - West SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 3.9% of the Wollongong - West SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
2.9% of people in the Wollongong - West SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Wollongong - West SA2, 50.4% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 86 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 86th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 138 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 84th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 5,137 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 78th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 128 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 61 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.1 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 32.6% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 138 public transport stops within the Wollongong - West SA2.
The Wollongong - West SA2 has 5,137 weekly trips across 61 routes, averaging 733 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 139 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 336 m away and the nearest school 409 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 138 stops nearby, 5,137 weekly trips, access rating 86 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 99 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 99th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 336 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 409 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 600 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 721 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 736 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 875 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 998 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 1.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 7 long day care centres with 294 places in Wollongong - West, about 3.0 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Wollongong - West is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Wollongong - West.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Wollongong - West among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide.
Wollongong - West ranks in the 58th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Wollongong - West's established property market has recorded 281 sales in the 12 months to September 2026, comprising 98% residential, 1% commercial and 1% vacant land transactions.
Wollongong - West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends.
Wollongong - West hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
AreaSearch analysis reveals Wollongong - West recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide.
The educational profile of Wollongong - West ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
Wollongong - West features high concentrations of group households and lone person households but relatively few family households, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
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 displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional NSW.
Health in Wollongong - West: private health cover 50.4%, no long-term health condition 69.5%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Wollongong - West has an estimated 17,678 residents, up 6.8% since the 2021 Census, with 10 projects tracked in Wollongong - West.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Wollongong - West.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Oct 2026. Housing and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (107041549). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Oct 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, households, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Wollongong - West from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Wollongong - West with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
