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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
An assessment of population growth drivers in Mount Ousley reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mount Ousley's population is estimated at around 1,657 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 46 people (2.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,611 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,656 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,071 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Ousley's 2.9% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 300 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.0% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Mount Ousley is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Mount Ousley has seen minimal residential construction activity with one new dwelling approved annually on average over the past five years, totalling seven approvals. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area where housing needs drive development rather than broader market demand. Due to these low numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary significantly based on individual projects.
Mount Ousley has substantially lower development levels compared to Rest of NSW and is also below national averages. The new building activity shows an equal split between detached houses (50%) and townhouses or apartments (50%), marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 94% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With around 1622 people per approval, Mount Ousley indicates an established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mount Ousley is expected to grow by 299 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.
Looking ahead, Mount Ousley is expected to grow by 299 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Mount Ousley
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Mount Ousley has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting the region: Mount Ousley Interchange, 68-74 Princes Highway Mixed-Use Development, University of Wollongong 2016-2036 Wollongong Campus Master Plan, and Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station. The following list details those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wollongong Private Hospital Expansion
A 12-storey western wing expansion of Wollongong Private Hospital, comprising a new 24-hour emergency department, radiation oncology (Basement Level 6), expanded operating theatres, ICU support, additional inpatient beds, a medi-hotel for recovering patients, and a new vehicular access from Urunga Parade. The proposal also includes an Indigenous birthing centre and walk-in health centre operated by the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service (IAMS) within retained heritage buildings at 366 and 368 Crown Street. Five existing Urunga Parade dwellings will be demolished. The project is a State Significant Development (SSD-84096206) currently on public exhibition through the NSW Planning Portal.
Wollongong to Coniston Rail Infrastructure Upgrade
Part of the Rail Service Improvement Program, this project involves upgrading the rail corridor between Wollongong and Coniston. Works include replacing electrical cables and overhead wiring at the Coniston substation, installing new signalling equipment, and completing civil and structural activities to support the new Mariyung fleet. These upgrades facilitate more frequent services on the South Coast Line, targeting 15-minute peak and 30-minute off-peak intervals between Wollongong and Sydney CBD.
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.
Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station
New purpose-built ambulance station with internal parking for up to five emergency vehicles, a wash bay, administration and office areas, staff rest facilities, logistics and storage. Delivered under the NSW RAIR program to enhance emergency health care for the Wollongong community.
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.
Mount Ousley Interchange
Joint Australian and NSW Government project to replace the existing at-grade M1 Princes Motorway and Mount Ousley Road intersection with a safer grade-separated interchange at the gateway to Wollongong. Works include a heavy vehicle bypass lane, separate southbound off-ramps for light and heavy vehicles, two heavy vehicle safety ramps, bridge structures, signalised intersections, a commuter car park, active transport links, University of Wollongong access improvements and noise walls. Major construction is underway by Fulton Hogan. In April 2026 the first heavy vehicle safety ramp opened to traffic and bridge girder installation was progressing, with completion on track for 2028.
University of Wollongong 2016-2036 Wollongong Campus Master Plan
Long-term campus master plan guiding physical development of UOW's Wollongong campus through 2036. The plan provides for upgraded Northfields Avenue frontage, improved pedestrian and cycle gateways, new and refurbished academic buildings, additional student accommodation, better public transport access, green space protection, sustainability measures and capacity for about 3000 extra students and about 80000 square metres of additional floor space.
Employment
The employment landscape in Mount Ousley shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators
Mount Ousley has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of December 2025. Over the past year, employment stability remained relatively unchanged.
As of that date, 831 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stood at 63.3%, slightly above Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census data revealed that 38.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.
The area specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs none of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the resident-to-working population ratio. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3% alongside a 0.2% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.8%. In contrast, Regional NSW saw a 1.2% employment fall, a 0.8% labour force contraction, and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Ousley's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Mount Ousley had a median taxpayer income of $60,305 and an average income of $81,053. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the regional NSW averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $66,528 and an average of $89,418, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows household incomes rank at the 83rd percentile with a weekly income of $2,293, while personal incomes rank at the 55th percentile. In Mount Ousley, 29.1% of residents (482 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, similar to the regional figure of 29.9%. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 36.0% earning over $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. Mount Ousley's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Mount Ousley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Mount Ousley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Ousley stood at 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.9% and rented ones at 15.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,450, exceeding Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Mount Ousley was $500, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Mount Ousley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,450 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Mount Ousley features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households comprise 77.6% of all households, including 37.2% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Mount Ousley shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
Mount Ousley's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 or older, 35.4% possess university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.5% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.1% while certificates make up 21.4%.
Educational participation is high in Mount Ousley, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 8.5% in tertiary education, and 7.5% pursuing secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Mount Ousley has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes that together offer 74 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 172 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 38.1%, work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages ten trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately ten weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The level of general health in Mount Ousley is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
Mount Ousley shows better-than-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions.
The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (976 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 8.8% of residents, and asthma, impacting 6.9%. A majority, 69.3%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The under-65 population has particularly strong health outcomes. Mount Ousley has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (309 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are notably good, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
In terms of cultural diversity, Mount Ousley records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Mount Ousley has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 18.6% of its residents born overseas and 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mount Ousley, accounting for 53.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Mount Ousley are Australian (25.2%), English (24.7%), and Other (8.3%).
Notably, Spanish (0.9%) and French (0.8%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Mount Ousley compared to the regional averages of 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Additionally, Italian ethnicity is more prevalent at 6.0% in Mount Ousley than the regional average of 2.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Mount Ousley's median age exceeds the national pattern
Mount Ousley has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. The population aged 15-24 represents 15.9%, higher than the Regional NSW figure, while those aged 65-74 represent 8.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decrease in median age by 1 year to 41 due to an increase in younger residents. The 25 to 34 age group grew from 10.0% to 12.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 13.6% to 11.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Mount Ousley. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 38%, adding 80 residents to reach 293. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group is expected to decrease by 16 residents.