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 per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the suburb of Waitara, the estimated population as of May 2026 is approximately 8,359. This figure represents a rise of 522 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,837. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 8,354 residents following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 143 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 11,295 persons per square kilometer, placing Waitara in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 6.7% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA3 area (4.5%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a leading growth area in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind Waitara's population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilizing 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 for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Applying growth rates by age group from these aggregations to all areas, Waitara is projected to experience an above median population growth, increasing by 1,122 persons to reach a total of 9,481 by 2041, reflecting a 13.4% increase over the 16-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 shows Waitara recorded around 17 residential properties approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 89 homes. So far in FY-26142 approvals have been recorded. On average, 9.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $762,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $32.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Waitara shows 19.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 28th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. New development consists of 55.0% detached houses and 45.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density options. The location has approximately 589 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

Population forecasts suggest Waitara will gain 1,117 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially 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 that could affect this region. Notable projects include Twin Towers Hornsby, Eastwood Gardens in Waitara, the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan and Transit-Oriented Development Rezoning, and Linea Apartments at 94-98 George Street. The following list details those 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. The technology sector is particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate was 6.6% as of an unspecified date.

Over the past year, Waitara had relative employment stability. As of December 2025, 4,293 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.8%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's at 68.8%. According to Census responses, 56.4% of Waitara residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

The dominant employment sectors were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Waitara had a notably high concentration in professional & technical jobs, at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, construction was under-represented, with only 3.5% of Waitara's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.0%, while employment remained stable, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall national 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Waitara suburb has highest income levels in Australia, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY2023. Waitara's median taxpayer income is $64,174, average is $93,471. Greater Sydney's figures are $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. With 10.32% WPI growth since FY2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 are approximately $70,797 (median) and $103,117 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Waitara between 72nd and 83rd percentiles nationally. 36.2% of population falls within $1,500-$2,999 income bracket, mirroring surrounding region at 30.9%. High housing costs consume 19.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at 67th percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 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 the area 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 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households making up 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 residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications at 62.8%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 37.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 22.0%, and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications, 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 active 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. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically living 168 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 56%, while train usage stands at 28% and walking accounts for 10%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.4, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 56.4% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 723 trips daily across all routes, 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 remarkable results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (5,332 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 4.6% and 4.4% of residents respectively. 81.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Waitara has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,320 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line 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's population is highly diverse, with 67.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 67.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 31.9%. Hinduism stands out at 20.7%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 5.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese comprise 22.6%, Other 19.8%, and Indian 15.0%, all substantially higher than regional averages. Notable ethnic group divergences include Korean (4.3% vs regional 1.1%), Russian (0.8% vs 0.4%), and Filipino (3.8% vs 2.0%).

Waitara's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Waitara has a median age of 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 age group is strongly represented at 23.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.3%. The 15-24 cohort, however, is less prevalent in Waitara at 8.0%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1.4 years to 37, indicating an aging population. During this period, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.2% to 6.0%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 6.3% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort decreased from 26.0% to 23.9%, and the 0-4 group fell from 7.7% to 5.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Waitara's age profile. Notably, the 75-84 group is expected to grow by 72% (363 people), reaching 865 from 501. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 54% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.