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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of North Wollongong's population is estimated at around 2,420 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 121 people (5.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,299 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,391 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,000 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. North Wollongong's growth of 5.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 4.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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 also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing the suburb in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. It is expected to grow by 1,542 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 62.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows North Wollongong recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 104 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), each dwelling built gained an average of 2.4 new residents. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $401,000, slightly above the regional average.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $788,000. Compared to Rest of NSW, North Wollongong records 50.0% more new home approvals per person. Recent development has been entirely medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift marks a departure from current housing patterns (17.0% houses), suggesting limited developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 94 people per dwelling approval, North Wollongong shows low density characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,513 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones 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 an educated workforce with key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.8% as of December 2024. Employment stability was relative over the past year.

As of December 2025, 1,448 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, above Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation was high at 71.1% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. A significant 31.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 impacts should be considered. Key industries included health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food.

Professional & technical services showed notable concentration at 1.8 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.3%. The area functioned as an employment hub with 2.2 workers per resident. During December 2024 to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.4% and labour force remained stable. Unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest North Wollongong's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, North Wollongong had median taxpayer income of $43,518 and average income of $59,337. These figures are below national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $47,374 and average income is $64,594. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, household incomes in North Wollongong rank between 30th and 38th percentiles. Income distribution shows 32.0% of population (774 individuals) fall within $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at 33rd percentile. North Wollongong'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

The dwelling structure in North Wollongong, as per the latest Census, consisted of 16.8% houses and 83.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Wollongong was at 20.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (12.6%) or rented (67.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $395, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, North Wollongong's mortgage repayments are higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are also higher at $395 compared to 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 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 account for 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 Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 compared to broader regions. 38.0% of its residents aged 15+ have such qualifications, while the Rest of NSW stands at 21.3%, and the SA4 region at 25.2%. Among these, bachelor degrees are most common at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.2% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (18.0%).

Educational participation is high in the area, 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 serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 54 individual routes that facilitate 4,820 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 94 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward using different modes of transport: car (80%), train (6%), walking (6%). Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 31.6% of residents work from home, which 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 shows positive outcomes for North Wollongong residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks, with low prevalence of common health issues across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 50% (~1,220 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (12.1%) and asthma (7.9%), while 70.5% report no medical ailments, higher than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. The area has 11.6% of residents aged 65 and over (280 people), lower than Regional 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 its population. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to Regional NSW, making up 4.8% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.5%), Australian (21.4%), and Other (13.1%). Notably, Macedonian (1.5%) Spanish (0.8%), and Serbian (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.3%, and 0.2% respectively.

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

North Wollongong's median age is 29 years, significantly younger than Regional NSW's 43 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 31.6% of the population in North Wollongong, compared to Regional NSW, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 4%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years to 29 from 30. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 26.6% to 31.6%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 9.5% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 25.1% to 22.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for North Wollongong, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age group at 78%, adding 595 residents to reach a total of 1,360.