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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Waitara statistical area (Lv2) is around 8,370, reflecting a 6.8% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 7,837 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,316, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 143 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 11,310 persons per square kilometer, placing Waitara (SA2) within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This growth exceeded that of the SA4 region (5.7%) and the SA3 area, marking Waitara as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Waitara (SA2) population is expected to expand by 1,274 persons to 2041, reflecting a 12.3% 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 around 17 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 89 homes. So far in FY26141 approvals have been recorded. This indicates an average of five people moving to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, suggesting demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $762,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

There have also been $32.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Waitara shows 18.0% lower construction activity per person while it places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 55.0% detached houses and 45.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating 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, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Waitara will gain 1,034 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.

Waitara has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Twin Towers Hornsby, Eastwood Gardens at Waitara, Hornsby Town Centre Master Plan, and Linea Apartments (94-98 George Street). The following list details those most relevant.

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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 significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 7.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 4,228 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Waitara is notably high at 65.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Notably, the concentration of professional & technical jobs is 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction is under-represented in Waitara, with only 3.5% of its workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels in Waitara increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 1.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with unemployment rising by only 0.2 percentage points. Providing broader context, state-level data up to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Waitara's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.8% over five years and 15.5% over ten years.

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's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $64,174 and the 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% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,860 (median) and $101,753 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Waitara ranked highly nationally, between the 72nd and 83rd percentiles. In Waitara, 36.2% of the population (3,029 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 30.9% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 19.1% of income, but 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

Waitara's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 8.8% houses and 91.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 61.4% houses and 38.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waitara stood at 18.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented ones at 51.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,500. Median weekly rent in Waitara was recorded as $490, compared to Sydney metro's $480. Nationally, Waitara's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,200 versus 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households making up 2.4% of the total. 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 is notably high, with 62.8% of residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications, surpassing Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 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 high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (12.3%), tertiary (5.4%), and secondary (4.3%) education.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active stops operating in Waitara, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 5,067 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 723 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 361 weekly trips per stop.

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

Waitara shows excellent health outcomes across all ages, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 64% (5,339 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 61.4%. Nationally, this figure is 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions in Waitara, affecting 4.6% and 4.4% of residents respectively. Notably, 81.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.0%. The area has 15.6% (1,305 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 17.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Waitara are strong, largely mirroring the general population's health profile.

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 a population where 67.9% speak a language other than English at home, with 67.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 31.9% of the population. Hinduism comprises 20.7%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 7.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese comprise 22.6%, Other 19.8%, and Indian 15.0%, all substantially higher than regional averages. Korean is notably overrepresented at 4.3% (vs 2.0%), Russian at 0.8% (vs 0.6%), and Filipino at 3.8% (vs 2.1%).

Waitara's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Waitara's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group constitutes 24.7% of Waitara's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 8.0%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Nationally, the 35-44 age group represents 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, Waitara's median age has risen from 36 to 37 years, indicating an aging population. During this period, the 15-24 age group grew from 6.3% to 8.0%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.2% to 5.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 16.3% to 14.9%, and the 35-44 group fell from 26.0% to 24.7%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Waitara's age profile. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 88%, reaching 914 people from the current 485. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 58% of population growth, highlighting aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.