Wallerawang

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wallerawang reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of Wallerawang is estimated at around 2,002 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease from the previous population count of 2,019 people recorded in the 2021 Census, indicating a decline of 17 people (0.8%). AreaSearch validated this estimate using resident population data from June 2025 and new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 29 persons per square kilometer. While Wallerawang experienced a decline, the broader SA3 area saw growth of 1.8%, indicating divergent trends. Overseas migration contributed around 70% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with Wallerawang expected to grow by 219 persons to reach 2,221 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.4% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Wallerawang, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Wallerawang shows around 5 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 28 homes were approved, with 4 more approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $654,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This year, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wallerawang has approximately 61% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 46th percentile nationally, which may limit buyer options and strengthen demand for established dwellings. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 359 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Wallerawang will gain 208 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Wallerawang's 9 Battery Energy Storage System, Great Western Battery, Former Wallerawang Power Station Redevelopment, and Sidey Place, Wallerawang. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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While Wallerawang retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.2%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Wallerawang has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 953 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 60.5%. Census responses show that 9.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and mining. Mining is particularly strong, with an employment share 3.9 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, indicated by working population vs resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Wallerawang's labour force decreased by 3.1%, while employment declined by 4.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, the labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wallerawang's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30th, 2023, Wallerawang had a median income among taxpayers of $49,948. The average income stood at $61,270. This was lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 in Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from June 2023 to March 2026, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $55,103 and an average income of $67,593 in Wallerawang as of that date. The 2021 Census data indicates modest rankings for household, family, and personal incomes in Wallerawang, between the 22nd and 30th percentiles. Income brackets show that 31.1% of locals (622 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses.

Wallerawang is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Wallerawang's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. In contrast, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallerawang was at 35.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented dwellings at 26.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Wallerawang was $275, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were $375.

Wallerawang has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.0% of all households, consisting of 30.5% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 7.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 35.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wallerawang has 67 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 23 different routes that together offer 161 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest one. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 97%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wallerawang is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Wallerawang faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

The mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~1,024 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and asthma (9.3%). Notably, 63.0% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the Regional NSW average of 63.3%. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. Wallerawang has 20.7% (414 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings.

The latest Census data sees Wallerawang placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wallerawang showed low cultural diversity, with 92.1% citizens, 92.4% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Wallerawang at 54.4%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.1%), Australian (30.1%), Scottish (8.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (6.4%) and Maltese (0.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.6% and 0.4%, respectively. Polish was also slightly overrepresented at 0.7%.

Wallerawang's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Wallerawang is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Wallerawang has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.0%) but fewer individuals aged 85 and above (1.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 4.8% to 7.2%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.0% to 10.0%, and the 5-14 age group decreased from 15.7% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wallerawang's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 23% (53 people), reaching a population of 290 from 236. Conversely, the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.