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

The suburb of Wakeley's population was estimated at 4,806 as of November 2025, reflecting a decrease of 87 people since the 2021 Census. This decline represents a 1.8% change from the previous figure of 4,893 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses combined with ABS ERP data released in June 2024. This results in a population density ratio of 2,948 persons per square kilometer, placing Wakeley in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Wakeley are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2 level projections from 2022 with a 2021 base year are used. Looking ahead to the years 2032 to 2041, projections indicate an overall population decline in Wakeley, with a reduction of 132 persons expected by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this period, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 222 people.

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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Wakeley averaged approximately 3 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 18 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. Over this period, population has fallen, yet 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, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $1.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Wakeley has significantly less development activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Wakeley's development activity is also lower, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 3245 people per approval, Wakeley shows a mature, established area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be less intense, creating favourable conditions for buyers in the future.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact the area. Notable ones are 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 is 5.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).

As of June 2025, there are 2,027 residents employed, while its unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Wakeley lags at 42.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 6.1% of employment compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.7%, and labour force grew by 4.6%, reducing unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.6%, labour force grew by 2.9%, but unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Wakeley's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,132. The average income stood at $60,357 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Sydney had median and average incomes of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022, Wakeley's estimated median income would be approximately $53,075, with the average being around $67,968. Census data shows individual incomes at the 4th percentile are $502 weekly, while household incomes rank at the 38th percentile. In terms of income distribution, 30.9% of Wakeley's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 25.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Wakeley was $450, exceeding Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Wakeley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $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 constitute 85.9% of all households, including 46.6% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 16.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.1%, with lone person households at 13.2% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 3.2 people, which aligns with 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 prevalent, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (15.7%). Educational participation is high at 29.7%, comprising secondary education (9.3%), primary education (9.1%), and tertiary education (5.3%).

King Park Public School and Mary MacKillop Catholic College serve the area, with a combined student population of 1,244. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 963) and balanced educational opportunities. It has one primary and one secondary institution, with a higher-than-average school capacity of 25.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.4, indicating it serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 22 active transport stops operating within Wakeley. These are mixed bus stops serviced by 36 routes offering 1,183 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically 172 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 169 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual 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% (~2,442 people) have private health cover, compared to 47.7% across Greater Sydney.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and diabetes, affecting 7.2% and 7.2% of residents respectively. 74.9% of residents declare no medical ailments, similar to the 75.6% in Greater Sydney. Wakeley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.5% (1,081 people), compared to 19.0% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring those of the general population.

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 a high level of cultural diversity, 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, accounting for 62.7% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 20.1% compared to the regional average of 21.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (38.3%), Vietnamese (15.7%), and Chinese (11.7%), all higher than the regional averages. There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Croatian is overrepresented at 3.0% compared to 1.7%, Serbian at 2.4% compared to 1.8%, and Spanish at 1.2% compared to 1.0%.

Wakeley hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Wakeley's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Wakeley has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.2% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 6.1% to 8.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.9% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 13.6% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wakeley's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 48%, adding 190 residents to reach 589. Residents aged 65 and older will represent all of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 cohorts.