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 Feb 2026, the population of North Wollongong is estimated at around 2,420 people. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,299 people, marking a growth of 121 individuals (5.3%). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 2,391 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,000 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. North Wollongong's growth rate of 5.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.5%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. The primary driver for this population increase was overseas migration, contributing approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, 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. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest exceptional growth for North Wollongong over the period until 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by an additional 1,690 persons, reflecting a total increase of 75.2% over these 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees North Wollongong among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, North Wollongong has recorded approximately 21 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 105 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built in North Wollongong gains around 2.5 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $401,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $788,000 have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, North Wollongong records 53.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent development in North Wollongong has comprised entirely of medium and high-density housing, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 17.0% houses. This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With approximately 92 people per dwelling approval, North Wollongong shows characteristics of a low density area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, North Wollongong is expected to grow by 1,819 residents through to 2041. 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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Wollongong Hospital Redevelopment - Planning and Equipment Upgrades, Mount Ousley Interchange, 21 Auburn Street, Wollongong, and Wollongong to Coniston Rail Infrastructure Upgrade. The following list details those 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 8.6% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of this date, 1,443 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was at 73.1%, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses showed that 31.6% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Notably, professional & technical services had employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

There were 2.2 workers for every resident in North Wollongong as at the Census, indicating that it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, while labour force decreased by 0.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, a labour force decline of 0.1%, and an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 on 1st July 2023 for financial year 2022-23, the suburb of North Wollongong had a median income among taxpayers of $43,518. The average income stood at $59,337 in this period. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2022-23, current estimates would be approximately $47,374 (median) and $64,594 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in North Wollongong rank modestly at the 30th percentile, family incomes at the 38th percentile, and personal incomes at the 35th percentile. Distribution data shows that 32.0% of the population (774 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen regionally where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in North Wollongong, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 33rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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

North Wollongong's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 16.8% houses and 83.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Wollongong was at 20.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 12.6% and rented ones at 67.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in North Wollongong was $395, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 52.5%, with lone person households at 38.0% and group households comprising 14.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

North Wollongong's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 38.0% of residents aged 15 years and over possess university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.2% and certificates for 18.0%. Educational participation is notably high in North Wollongong, 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.

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

North Wollongong has 36 active public transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 54 individual routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 4,820 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 94 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 80%, followed by train at 6% and walking at 6%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, with 31.6% doing so (this figure may reflect COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 688 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 133 weekly trips per individual stop.

North Wollongong's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for North Wollongong shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups.

Approximately 50% (~1,220 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 12.1 and 7.9% respectively. 70.5% report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has 10.7% (258 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes rank high nationally.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in North Wollongong was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Wollongong was found to have a higher 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, comprising 41.7% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, making up 4.8% compared to 0.8% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (24.5%), Australian (21.4%), and Other (13.1%). These figures are lower than regional averages for English (30.5%) and Australian (30.0%), but notably higher for Other (4.8%). Certain ethnic groups show significant representation differences: Macedonian at 1.5% vs 0.4%, Spanish at 0.8% vs 0.3%, and Serbian at 0.7% vs 0.2%.

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

North Wollongong's median age of 29 years is significantly younger than Rest of NSW's 43 and the national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 31.1%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 3.7%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 26.6% to 31.1%, while the 15-24 cohort has declined from 25.1% to 21.8%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 9.3% to 8.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in North Wollongong, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to rise significantly by 702 people (93%), from 752 to 1,455.