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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
The suburb of Cringila's population is estimated at around 2,128 as of May 2026, a decrease of 28 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,156. This estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area. The resident population was estimated at 2,121 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Population density is 1,266 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. The suburb is projected to grow by 272 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.4% over the 16 years.
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 has had around 7 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 39 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $385,000.
This year, $391,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Cringila's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cringila records approximately 58% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 55th percentile nationally. New development consists of 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating a shift from the current housing mix which is predominantly houses at 94.0%. The location has approximately 287 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Cringila will gain 265 residents by 2041.
Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cringila
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
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 adjustments to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include King Street Warrawong Masterplan, Berkeley Square (Berkeley Shopping Centre Upgrade), Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library, and Warrawong Community Health Centre. The following list details those anticipated to be most relevant.
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
NSW's first urban Renewable Energy Zone is in early planning, with EnergyCo coordinating development of a declared REZ intended to provide 1 GW of network capacity. Current work focuses on community and industry engagement, network planning with Endeavour Energy, use of existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, and integration of rooftop solar, batteries, community-scale batteries and future low-carbon industries such as green hydrogen and green steel.
Warrawong Plaza Redevelopment
A 1.1 billion dollar urban renewal project transforming Warrawong Plaza into a high-density mixed-use precinct. Following the site's rezoning in 2024 via the State Assessed Planning Proposal (SAPP) pathway, the development will deliver 1,300 new dwellings across 10-12 towers reaching up to 22 storeys (75m). The masterplan includes 10 percent affordable housing, a revitalized retail center with an eStore, and a new bus interchange. The project is integrated with the broader 32-hectare Warrawong Parklands Master Plan, finalized in March 2026, which introduces a 3,000 sqm public plaza, an Olympic-standard skate park, and a 320m wetland boardwalk to Lake Illawarra.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a 1,022 square kilometre area of Commonwealth waters in the Pacific Ocean, located at least 20 km offshore between Wombarra and Kiama in New South Wales. It was officially declared by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on 15 June 2024 as Australia's fourth offshore wind zone. The zone has a potential generation capacity of around 2.9 GW, theoretically enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes, and was projected to support an estimated 1,740 construction jobs and 870 ongoing jobs. Due to a sharp drop in water depths off the coast, only floating wind turbine technology is considered viable for the zone. Feasibility licence applications were open from 17 June to 15 August 2024. Initial proponents Oceanex Energy and Equinor opted not to apply, instead focusing on the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone where they were awarded a feasibility licence for the Novocastrian project. Spanish developer BlueFloat Energy became the sole feasibility licence applicant but formally withdrew its application in January 2026, citing global commercial pressures and the wind-down of its Australian operations by parent Quantum Capital. On 23 January 2026, the Federal Government confirmed no feasibility licences would be granted in the Illawarra zone. The zone remains declared and could reopen for feasibility applications if competitive interest returns. In the meantime, the area is open for Research and Demonstration (R&D) licence applications to trial offshore renewable technologies including floating wind, wave and tidal current systems.
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.
More Trains More Services Stage Two - Mortdale to Kiama Capital Works
A comprehensive rail infrastructure package delivered to enable the rollout of the Mariyung intercity fleet. Works included major upgrades to the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (including a new bogie exchange system), platform extensions at Kiama and other stations, and the construction of new stabling yards at Waterfall and Kiama. As of April 2026, the project has reached operational completion with the Mariyung fleet officially entering service on the South Coast Line.
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's workforce is balanced between white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 16.6% as of December 2025. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively maintained.
Compared to Regional NSW's 3.9%, Cringila's unemployment rate was 12.7% higher. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 47.1%. According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents worked from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
The area specializes in administrative & support roles, with an employment share twice the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1% while labour force decreased by 0.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, differing significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Cringila's employment mix suggests local growth should be around 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Cringila, median income is $37,752 and average income is $45,147. This is lower than Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $41,648 (median) and $49,806 (average), based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Cringila fall between the 1st and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 27.6% of individuals earn between $400 - 799, unlike Regional NSW where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. 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
In Cringila, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 6.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other dwellings. This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cringila stood at 46.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,614, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Cringila was $350 compared to Regional 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 compose 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 account for 26.9%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 7.3% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 29.5% of residents aged 15+ having vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 7.0% and certificates at 22.5%.
Educational participation is high, with 28.8% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary (9.9%), secondary (8.4%), and tertiary (3.6%) education.
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
The analysis of public transport in Cringila shows that there are 11 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 12 individual routes providing service to these locations. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 395. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent in Cringila, with residents typically residing just 143 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward from Cringila for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents.
Vehicle ownership averages at 1.2 per dwelling in Cringila, which is lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages out to 56 trips per day, equating to approximately 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 high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (around 955 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.
Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.6% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Around 65.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Cringila has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (385 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 43.4% born overseas and 56.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 45.5%. Islam is overrepresented, comprising 31.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.
The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.1%), Australian (17.5%), and Macedonian (15.4%). Notably, Lebanese (10.8%) and Serbian (1.6%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.2% each. Maltese representation is also notably higher at 1.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Cringila's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
The median age in Cringila is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.5% of Cringila's population, higher than Regional NSW's figure, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 8.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.5%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 12.8% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 10.9% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Cringila's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 30%, reaching 400 people from the current 308. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.