Wakeley

Wakeley is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the population of the Wakeley statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 4,868 people. This reflects a decrease of 25 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,893 people. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 4,793 as of June 2024, along with validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,986 persons per square kilometer, placing Wakeley (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in the area during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the Wakeley (SA2) population is expected to decline by 132 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 222 people over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Wakeley is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Wakeley averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 20 homes. As of FY-26, there has been 1 approval recorded. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $244,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

There have been $258,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating Wakeley's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Wakeley has significantly less development activity, at 82.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Wakeley also reflects lower development activity, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving Wakeley's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 1082 people per approval, Wakeley demonstrates a mature, established area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Wakeley may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Wakeley has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include 239 Canley Vale Road Development, EVO Fairfield, Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, and Fairfield Showground Community and Events Centre. 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.

Wakeley shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Wakeley has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3%.

As of September 2025, 2,003 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lags at 42.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.9 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence, at 6.1% compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, while the labour force grew by 3.8%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points during this period. State-level data to November 25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wakeley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Wakeley's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $47,132. The average income stood at $60,357 during the same period. These figures are below Greater Sydney's median and average incomes of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Wakeley's median income will be approximately $51,308 and the average will be around $65,705, based on an 8.86% growth in wages since financial year 2023. Census data indicates individual incomes in Wakeley lag at the 4th percentile ($502 weekly), while household income performs better at the 38th percentile. In terms of income distribution, 30.9% of Wakeley's population (1,504 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wakeley, with only 82.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 38th percentile.

Wakeley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Wakeley's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakeley stood at 42.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 25%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent median was $450 in Wakeley, higher than Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Wakeley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wakeley features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 85.9 percent of all households, including 46.6 percent that are couples with children, 21.9 percent that are couples without children, and 16.2 percent that consist of single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.1 percent, with lone person households at 13.2 percent and group households comprising 1.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 3.2 people, which matches the Greater Sydney average.

Wakeley faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.8%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (15.7%). Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.3% in secondary education, 9.1% in primary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 30 active stops operating in Wakeley, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 38 routes, offering 1,183 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 169 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Wakeley is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Wakeley demonstrates low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and old age cohorts. Approximately 51% (~2,474 people) of the total population has private health cover, compared to 47.9% across Greater Sydney.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 7.2% and 7.2% of residents respectively. 74.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.6% across Greater Sydney. As of June 30, 2021, 22.5% (1,095 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 19.0% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Wakeley has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 60.8% of its population born overseas and 77.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wakeley, making up 62.7% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Wakeley compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 20.1% versus 21.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (38.3%), Vietnamese (15.7%), and Chinese (11.7%). Some other ethnic groups also show significant differences: Croatian is overrepresented at 3.0% compared to 1.7% regionally, Serbian is at 2.4% versus 1.8%, and Spanish is at 1.2% versus 1.0%.

Wakeley's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wakeley's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Wakeley has a notably over-represented cohort of residents aged 65-74 (12.2%) and an under-represented group of those aged 25-34 (11.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 6.1% to 8.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.9% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group declined from 13.6% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Wakeley's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 46%, adding 184 residents to reach a total of 589. This demographic aging trend continues as all growth in the resident population is anticipated to be among those aged 65 and older, while declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 45 to 54 age cohorts.