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

The population of Mount Austin is estimated at around 4,126 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 91 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,035. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,076 in Jun 2024 and validation of 13 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,586 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Austin's growth rate of 2.3% since census is within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the suburb expected to grow by 368 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 7.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mount Austin according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Mount Austin averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 37 homes were approved, with an additional 1 so far in FY26. This resulted in an average of 4.9 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

Consequently, demand significantly exceeded new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes was approximately $393,000. In FY26, $1.1 million in commercial approvals were registered, indicating Mount Austin's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Mount Austin had markedly lower building activity, at 64.0% below the regional average per person as of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthened demand and prices for existing properties. Furthermore, this level was also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

New development in Mount Austin consisted 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 could indicate diminishing developable land availability and respond to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 840 people per dwelling approval, Mount Austin reflected a highly mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates suggest Mount Austin is expected to grow by approximately 318 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could potentially impact the area's performance due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Key projects among these include the Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct, Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub, Gissing Oval Amenities Upgrade, and Wagga Wagga Health Service Redevelopment Stage 3. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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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 in December 2025 was 6.4%, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. There were 1,727 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 2.5% higher than Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation lagged at 55.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses showed only 4.5% of residents worked from home. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with the latter being particularly notable at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 1.7%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

The area offered limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 3.4% and employment fell by 3.8%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mount Austin's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mount Austin had a median taxpayer income of $41,287 and an average of $50,361. These figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Mount Austin as of September 2025 are approximately $44,945 and $54,823 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Mount Austin fall between the 8th and 13th percentiles nationally. The $800 - $1,499 earnings band captures 28.3% of Mount Austin's population (1,167 individuals), 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, 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 housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to 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, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Mount Austin was $250, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Mount Austin's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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% of all households, including 20.2% couples with children, 20.3% couples without children, and 17.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 36.8% and group households making up 4.3%. 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 8.3% and certificates make up 32.8%.

Educational participation is notably 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 bus services. These stops are served by 32 routes, offering a total of 719 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents located an average of 238 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary transport mode at 95%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1 per dwelling, below the regional average. Only 4.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 102 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 29 weekly trips per 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 chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 47% (~1935 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (11.3%) and mental health issues (11.1%), while 57.5% claim no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents face notable chronic condition challenges. The area has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (924 people), slightly lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly in line 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, 86.9% born in Australia, and 88.4% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Mount Austin is Christianity, comprising 55.2% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 5.4% of Mount Austin's population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (30.9%), English (28.8%), and Other (8.8%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is 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 15.1% of the population, a significant proportion compared to other age groups. Conversely, those aged 45-54 constitute only 7.7%, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 13.5% to 15.1%, while the 15-24 age group has risen from 13.0% to 14.3%. During this period, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 9.1% to 7.7%, and the 5-14 age group has fallen from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75-84 age cohort is expected to increase by 37% from 321 to 442 individuals. Notably, those aged 65 and above will account for 52% of total population growth in Mount Austin, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are projected to experience population declines.