Mount Austin

Mount Austin is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Mount Austin's population is estimated at around 4063 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 28 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4035 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4052, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1562 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Austin's 0.7% growth since census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (2.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the suburb of Mount Austin expected to grow by 318 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 7.6% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Mount Austin is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Mount Austin has averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals each year. Between the financial years FY21 to FY25, an estimated 37 homes were approved, with 1 more approved so far in FY26. The population has been declining recently, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $393,000. This year, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Mount Austin has markedly lower building activity, recording 64.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The level is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 90.0% houses.

This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Mount Austin reflects a highly mature market with around 817 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mount Austin is expected to grow by 307 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Mount Austin has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct, Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub, Gissing Oval Amenities Upgrade, and Wagga Wagga Health Service Redevelopment Stage 3. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Mount Austin face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mount Austin's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.7% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. In December 2025, 1,665 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 2.8% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Mount Austin was 54.0%, lagging behind Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses indicated that only 4.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Notably, employment levels in accommodation & food services were at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.7% compared to Regional NSW's average of 5.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 4.1%, while employment decreased by 4.7%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Mount Austin. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mount Austin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for the financial year ended June 2023, Mount Austin had a median income among taxpayers of $41,287. The average income stood at $50,361. This is lower than national averages and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,548 (median) and $55,558 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Mount Austin all fall between the 8th and 13th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 28.3% of the community (1,149 individuals) earn within the $800 - 1,499 range, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mount Austin, with only 82.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Mount Austin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mount Austin's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Austin stood at 24.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.7% and rented ones at 47.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,148, significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Mount Austin was recorded at $250, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Mount Austin's mortgage repayments were notably lower at $1,148 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mount Austin features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.7 percent of all households, including 20.2 percent couples with children, 20.3 percent couples without children, and 17.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.3 percent, with lone person households at 36.8 percent and group households comprising 4.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Mount Austin 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 32.8%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.1% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Austin has 24 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 32 different routes that together facilitate 719 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents living an average of 238 meters from the nearest stop. Most Mount Austin residents commute outside the area, primarily by car, which remains the dominant mode of transport at 95%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 102 trips per day, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mount Austin is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Mount Austin faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions. Multiple health issues impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 47%, compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma (11.3%) and mental health issues (11.1%). Conversely, 57.5% report no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents face substantial chronic condition rates. Seniors comprise 22.6% of the population (918 people), with health outcomes broadly aligning with national rankings.

Mount Austin ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Austin was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 83.1% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (86.9%), and speaking English only at home (88.4%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Mount Austin, comprising 55.2% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which makes up 5.4% of Mount Austin's population compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

The top three represented ancestry groups in Mount Austin are Australian (30.9%), English (28.8%), and Other (8.8%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, with Australian Aboriginal being overrepresented at 7.2% compared to 4.6% regionally, Samoan at 0.2% versus 0.1%, and German at 4.0% versus 3.1%.

Mount Austin's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Mount Austin is 37 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 make up a prominent 14.6% of the population, while those aged 45-54 constitute only 7.7%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of 25 to 34-year-olds has grown from 13.5% to 14.6%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 9.1% to 7.7%. Additionally, the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75 to 84 age cohort will increase significantly by 36%, rising from 320 to 436 individuals. Notably, the combined population of those aged 65 and above is expected to account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting Mount Austin's aging demographic trend. Conversely, populations in the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decline.