Gwandalan

Gwandalan lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Gwandalan statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,890. This figure reflects an increase of 105 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,785. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 3,887 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,355 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Gwandalan has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

All drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected for Gwandalan (SA2), with the area expected to expand by 689 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 20.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Gwandalan shows an average of 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling 58 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, 6 people move to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $479,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, there have been $368,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Gwandalan has approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 35th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix of 97.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 466 people per dwelling approval, Gwandalan indicates a developed market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gwandalan is expected to grow by 806 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Gwandalan has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can significantly affect an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that may impact the area. Key projects include Crangan Bay Residential Estate, South East Growth Area Plan, Draft Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036, and High Speed Rail - Newcastle to Sydney (Stage 1), with the following list providing details of those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Gwandalan demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Gwandalan has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

As of September 2025, 1,934 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%. This is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, but workforce participation is lower at 55.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment in construction is high, at twice the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, while labour force grew by 3.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and a smaller rise in unemployment. As of 25-Nov-25, NSW employment contracted slightly by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts suggest total employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gwandalan's current employment mix indicates local jobs could increase by 6.4% in five years and 13.4% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Gwandalan suburb is $49,670, with an average of $60,356, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,071 (median) and $65,704 (average), considering an 8.86% growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Gwandalan's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 25th and 35th percentiles. The predominant income bracket in Gwandalan is $1,500 - 2,999, with 34.3% of locals (1,334 people) falling into this category, similar to the broader metropolitan region at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 34th percentile.

Gwandalan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Gwandalan, as per the latest Census, 96.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Sydney metro's 83.2% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gwandalan stood at 36.9%, similar to Sydney metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.2% and rented ones at 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, lower than Sydney metro's $1,900 but higher than the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Gwandalan was $385, matching Sydney metro and exceeding the national figure of $375.

Gwandalan has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 75.6% of all households, including 30.7% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

Gwandalan faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (38.1%). Educational participation is high at 26.3%, with 9.8% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gwandalan has 16 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 22 individual routes in operation. Together, these routes facilitate 226 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport is rated as good, with residents on average located 212 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 32 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gwandalan is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Gwandalan faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (around 1,977 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.1% and 9.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 61.5% across Greater Sydney. As of the latest data (2016), 22.6% of Gwandalan's population is aged 65 and over (879 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely consistent with the general population's health profile.

Gwandalan is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Gwandalan had a lower level of cultural diversity, with 89.7% of its residents born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Gwandalan, making up 55.3% of the population, compared to 56.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.7%), English (31.4%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Maltese representation was higher at 2.0%, compared to 1.0% regionally, Serbian at 0.4% versus 0.1%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.7% versus 4.5%.

Gwandalan's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Gwandalan is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 8.8% of the population in Gwandalan, compared to a lower percentage for the 25-34 cohort at 10.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.8% to 8.8%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 10.8% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 12.2%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Gwandalan, with the 65-74 age group expected to grow by 37% (166 people), reaching 614 from 447. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (12 people).