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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Cringila is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cringila is around 2,205, showing an increase of 49 people since the 2021 Census. This reflects a growth rate of 2.3%, with the 2021 Census recording a population of 2,156. AreaSearch's resident population estimate for Jun 2024 was 2,160, which, combined with six validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this increase. The population density is 1,312 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of recent population gains in the suburb.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 287 persons, reflecting an increase of 10.7% over the 17-year period, aligning with Australia's non-metropolitan areas' above median population growth trend.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Cringila, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cringila recorded approximately 7 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years from 2016 to 2020, totalling an estimated 39 homes. As of June 2021 in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $385,000. This financial year, $391,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature.
Compared to Rest of NSW, Cringila records about 57% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 55th percentile of areas assessed nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 40.0% detached houses and 60.0% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. Cringila reflects a low density area with around 288 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Cringila will gain 236 residents by 2041, suggesting current development rates should comfortably meet demand and provide good conditions for buyers while potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Population forecasts indicate Cringila will gain 236 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Cringila has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects comprise King Street Warrawong Masterplan, Berkeley Square (Berkeley Shopping Centre Upgrade), Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library, and Warrawong Community Health Centre, with the following list specifying those likely to be most pertinent.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)
NSW's first urban Renewable Energy Zone designed to integrate 1 GW of network capacity. The project focuses on leveraging existing industrial, port, and grid infrastructure to support green hydrogen, green steel, and offshore wind industries. It uniquely emphasizes consumer energy resources like rooftop solar and community batteries. As of early 2026, EnergyCo continues detailed infrastructure planning and community engagement following the 2025 Roundtable which identified over $43 billion in potential private investment interest.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a Commonwealth-declared area covering 1,022 square kilometres in the Pacific Ocean, located 20km to 45km off the NSW coast between Wombarra and Kiama. Declared on 15 June 2024, the zone has a potential generation capacity of 2.9 GW, enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes. Following a competitive application process in late 2024, Corio Generation Australia was awarded the first feasibility licence in December 2025. This allows for seven years of detailed environmental assessments, geotechnical surveys, and community consultation to determine the technical and commercial viability of a large-scale floating offshore wind farm.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a 1,022 square kilometre declared area in the Pacific Ocean located at least 20 km offshore between Wombarra and Kiama. Declared on June 15, 2024, the zone has a potential generation capacity of 2.9 GW, sufficient to power 1.8 million homes. As of January 2026, the project is in a transitional phase; the sole feasibility licence applicant, BlueFloat Energy, formally withdrew in early 2026 due to global supply chain and commercial pressures. While no feasibility licences are currently active for generation, the zone remains officially declared. The Federal Government has opened applications for Research and Demonstration (R&D) licences to test emerging technologies like floating foundations and wave energy within the zone.
Warrawong Plaza Redevelopment
A $1.1 billion mixed-use urban renewal project transforming the Warrawong Plaza into a master-planned precinct. The development includes 1,300 new dwellings across 12 towers up to 22 storeys, with 15% dedicated to affordable housing. The project features a revitalised triple-supermarket retail centre, a 3,000 sqm 'Green Heart' public plaza, a new bus interchange, and enhanced pedestrian links. The initial $30 million retail expansion, featuring NSW's first Woolworths eStore and 'Direct to Boot' facilities, was completed in April 2024. The broader residential and precinct build-out is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the first residences expected by 2028 and full completion over 20 years.
Berkeley Square (Berkeley Shopping Centre Upgrade)
A complete $11 million transformation and expansion of the existing Berkeley shopping precinct into 'Berkeley Square'. The project reimagines the 5,000+ sqm site, adding a second level to accommodate a new gym and a 121-place childcare centre. The redevelopment retains the existing Coles supermarket while significantly altering parking configurations to include two separate access points from Winnima Way and Bristol Street. The upgrade aims to create a modern lifestyle and dining destination with new retail spaces and improved pedestrian permeability.
Bayview Centre
A 10,735 sqm large format retail centre on a 24,300 sqm site, featuring national tenants including Beacon Lighting, Super Cheap Auto, Pillow Talk, JB Hi-Fi, Trek, Autobarn, Road Tech Marine, and Amart Furniture. The centre also includes fast food outlets such as McDonald's, Hungry Jack's, Starbucks, Oporto, Liquorland, and Domino's, with 312 on-grade car parks. The centre opened in December 2023 and was sold to MLC Asset Management for $57 million in June 2024, achieving 100% occupancy.
Rail Service Improvement Program (Mortdale-Kiama)
The Rail Service Improvement Program (formerly More Trains, More Services) is a multi-billion-dollar NSW Government initiative to modernize the rail network for the Mariyung fleet. The Mortdale to Kiama package involves infrastructure upgrades including the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (active maintenance and shunting works in February 2026), platform extensions at Kiama (completed), and ongoing signaling, power supply, and station improvements at Thirroul and Shellharbour Junction to enable increased service frequency on the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines.
Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library
A new $41.5 million three-storey community hub in Warrawong featuring a modern library, community centre, flexible meeting and function rooms, spaces for community organisations, a town square, landscaped public spaces, and parking. Construction commenced September 2025 and is expected to be completed by mid-2027. The facility will serve the southern suburbs of Wollongong including Berkeley, Lake Heights, Cringila, Warrawong, Port Kembla, Primbee, and Windang.
Employment
Employment conditions in Cringila face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Cringila has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate was 16.2% as of September 2025. This is 8.5 percentage points higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.
Workforce participation in Cringila is lower at 47.8%, compared to 61.5% in Rest of NSW. As of Census responses, 14.4% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.5%.
Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, while labour force decreased by 0.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia predict growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cringila's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this does not account for local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 30, 2023, Cringila had a median taxpayer income of $37,752 and an average income of $45,147. Both figures are below the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $41,097 (median) and $49,147 (average), based on an 8.86% increase since June 2023. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Cringila falling between the 1st and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 27.6% of Cringila's population earns between $400 and $799 annually, compared to regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cringila, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Cringila is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The dwelling structure in Cringila, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Cringila was 46.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented dwellings at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,614, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Cringila was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Cringila's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Cringila has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households comprise 73.1% of all households, including 33.6% couples with children, 17.1% couples without children, and 20.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.9%, consisting of 23.4% lone person households and 3.6% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Cringila faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 10.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.0%) and certificates (22.5%).
Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.9%), secondary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (3.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Cringila has 11 operational public transport stops, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 12 different routes, collectively facilitating 395 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Cringila's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.
According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 56 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 35 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Cringila is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Health data indicates significant health challenges in Cringila. AreaSearch's assessment shows notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% (989 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.
Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.6% and 9.3% of residents respectively. However, 65.6% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents exhibit a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.5% (385 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Cringila is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Cringila has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.4% of its population born overseas and 56.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cringila, comprising 45.5% of the population. There is an overrepresentation of Islam in Cringila, making up 31.4% compared to the Rest of NSW average of 0.8%.
The top three ancestry groups are Other at 21.1%, Australian at 17.5%, and Macedonian at 15.4%. There is notable overrepresentation of Lebanese (10.8%), Serbian (1.6%), and Maltese (1.4%) ethnicities compared to regional averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Cringila's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
Cringila's median age is 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure at 43 but matches the national norm also at 38. The age group of 25-34 years old makes up a strong 14.4% of Cringila's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of the population aged 25 to 34 years has increased from 13.2% to 14.4%, whereas the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Cringila's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 88 people to reach a total of 406 from the current figure of 317. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for both the 15-24 and 65-74 age cohorts.