North Wollongong

An assessment of population growth drivers in North Wollongong reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, North Wollongong's estimated population is around 2,429. This reflects a growth of 130 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,299. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,388 residents based on the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,003 persons per square kilometer. North Wollongong's growth rate of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.0%) and the non-metro area, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, North Wollongong is predicted to grow exceptionally over the period, increasing by 1,714 persons to 2041 and reflecting a total increase of 75.3% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within North Wollongong when compared nationally

North Wollongong recorded approximately 23 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 116 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built accommodates around 2.2 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for new homes is $397,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year, $16.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the Rest of NSW, North Wollongong has 70.0% more new home approvals per person. Recent development consists entirely of medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, currently at 17.0%. North Wollongong shows characteristics of a low density area with around 92 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, North Wollongong is expected to grow by approximately 1,830 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of thirteen projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Wollongong Hospital Redevelopment - Planning and Equipment Upgrades, Mount Ousley Interchange, 21 Auburn Street, Wollongong, and Kenny Street Mixed-Use Tower. 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.

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 drivers in North Wollongong are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

North Wollongong has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.3% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate decreased to 7.6%, still higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in North Wollongong was 64.3% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Professional & technical services show notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

There were 2.2 workers for every resident as per the Census. Employment levels increased by 0.9% and labour force grew by 0.2% during the year to June 2025, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. Rest of NSW recorded employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Wollongong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, North Wollongong had a median income among taxpayers of $43,530. The average income stood at $59,352 in this period. Both figures were below the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates project median income to be approximately $49,019 and average income to be around $66,836 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in North Wollongong ranked modestly, between the 30th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution data showed that 32.0% of the population (777 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 33rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

North Wollongong features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In North Wollongong, as per the latest Census, 16.8% of dwellings were houses while 83.2% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Wollongong stood at 20.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 12.6% and rented ones at 67.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. Median weekly rent in North Wollongong was $395, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, North Wollongong's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $395 versus $375.

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

Family households constitute 47.5% of all households, including 11.6% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 52.5%, with lone person households at 38.0% and group households at 14.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

North Wollongong shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

North Wollongong has a higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than the broader region. 38.0% of its residents aged 15 and above hold such qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. The most common university qualification is the Bachelor degree, held by 24.2% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 12.2%, and graduate diplomas by 1.6%.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding them. This includes advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (18.0%). Educational participation is high, with 37.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 26.0% in tertiary education, 3.2% in primary education, and 2.7% pursuing secondary education. North Wollongong's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,915 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1003) with balanced educational opportunities. It includes 1 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. As an education hub, it offers 78.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.9, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in North Wollongong shows that there are currently 31 active transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 52 individual routes, which collectively provide 4,750 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 94 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 678 trips per day, equating to approximately 153 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in North Wollongong is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

North Wollongong shows healthier-than-average outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common conditions. Approximately half (50%) of its population (~1,225 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.6% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues affect 12.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.9%. Around three-quarters (70.5%) report no medical ailments, higher than the 68.6% in Rest of NSW. As of 31 December 2018, 10.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (264 people), lower than the 17.7% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in North Wollongong are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

North Wollongong was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

North Wollongong was found to have greater cultural diversity than most local markets, with 30.4% of its population born overseas and 24.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in North Wollongong, making up 41.7% of its population. Notably, Islam is overrepresented compared to the Rest of NSW, comprising 4.8% versus 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.5%), Australian (21.4%), and Other (13.1%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Macedonian at 1.5% compared to regional levels, Spanish at 0.8% versus 0.5%, and Serbian at 0.7% versus 0.8%.

North Wollongong hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

North Wollongong's median age of 29 years is younger than Rest of NSW's 43 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 30.5% of North Wollongong's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 3.9%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 26.6% to 30.5%, while the 15-24 cohort declined from 25.1% to 22.6% and the 45-54 group dropped from 9.3% to 8.1%. Population forecasts for North Wollongong indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to rise substantially, increasing by 721 people (97%) from 740 to 1,462.