Waitara

Waitara lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Waitara is around 8,371, reflecting an increase of 534 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.8% increase from the previous census figure of 7,837 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,316 based on June 2024 ABS ERP data release and an additional 143 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population results in a density ratio of 11,312 persons per square kilometer, placing Waitara in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.8%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Waitara, with an expected expansion of 1,302 persons, reflecting a 14.9% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Waitara recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Waitara recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 89 homes. So far in FY26140 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $762,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $32.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Waitara shows 18.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 28th percentile of areas assessed nationally, implying limited buyer options while demand for established properties strengthens. New development consists of 55.0% detached houses and 45.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (9.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends.

The location has approximately 579 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts suggest Waitara will gain 1,247 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Waitara has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Twin Towers Hornsby, Eastwood Gardens at Waitara, Hornsby Town Centre Master Plan, and Linea Apartments on George Street. The following list details projects considered most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Waitara has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Waitara has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 6.6% in December 2025. Over the past year, Waitara experienced relative employment stability based on AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of December 2025, there were 4,278 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation was lower at 67.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. According to Census responses, 56.4% of Waitara residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance.

Professional & technical jobs were particularly concentrated at 1.7 times the regional average. However, construction was under-represented with only 3.5% of Waitara's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.9%, while employment declined by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waitara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.8% over five years and 15.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Waitara had one of the highest income levels in Australia according to AreaSearch aggregating ATO data for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $64,174 and average income stood at $93,471, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $69,860 and average income around $101,753. Census 2021 data showed Waitara's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 72nd and 83rd percentiles. Income distribution revealed that 36.2% of the population (3,030 individuals) earned within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to surrounding regions at 30.9%. High housing costs consumed 19.1% of income, yet strong earnings placed disposable income at the 67th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluation of Waitara's dwelling structures showed 8.8% houses and 91.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waitara was at 18.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented ones at 51.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Waitara was $2,200, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Waitara was $490, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Waitara's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,200 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Waitara has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.4% of all households, including 37.2% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Waitara demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Waitara's educational attainment significantly exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 62.8% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This high level of education is led by bachelor degrees (37.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5%, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 8.5%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 5.4% in tertiary education, and 4.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Waitara has 14 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 different routes, collectively facilitating 5,067 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 168 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, Waitara sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 56%, followed by trains at 28% and walking at 10%. Vehicle ownership stands at 0.4 per dwelling, below regional averages.

According to the 2021 Census, 56.4% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 723 trips daily, equating to approximately 361 weekly trips per individual stop.

Waitara's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Waitara's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 64% of Waitara's total population (5,339 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Sydney's 59.9%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 4.6% and 4.4% of residents respectively. Notably, 81.4% of Waitara's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Waitara has 16.6% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,389 people), which is higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area are particularly strong, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Waitara is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Waitara has one of the highest language diversity, with 67.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas makes up 67.3%. Christianity is the main religion at 31.9%, while Hinduism stands out at 20.7%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's 5.2%.

In ancestry, Chinese lead at 22.6% (regional average: 8.4%), followed by Other at 19.8% and Indian at 15.0% (regional average: 3.6%). Notable ethnic group divergences include Korean at 4.3% (vs regional 1.1%), Russian at 0.8% (vs 0.4%) and Filipino at 3.8% (vs 2.0%).

Waitara's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Waitara as of the 2021 Census was 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Waitara had a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (23.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (8.1%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds was well above the national average of 14.3%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, Waitara's median age increased by 1.7 years to 38, up from 36. During this period, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.2% to 6.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 6.3% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort declined from 26.0% to 23.2%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 16.3% to 14.0%. By 2041, Waitara's age composition is projected to shift significantly. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 75%, reaching 938 people from 535. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 55% of the population growth. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.