Wallerawang

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Wallerawang is around 2,043, reflecting a growth of 24 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 1.2% rise from the previous population count of 2,019. AreaSearch's analysis, based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), estimates Wallerawang's resident population at 1,971 with an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 30 persons per square kilometer. Comparing Wallerawang's growth rate of 1.2% with its SA3 area's 2.7% demonstrates competitive growth fundamentals within 1.5 percentage points. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% to overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities, with Wallerawang expected to grow by 222 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.2% over the 17-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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Wallerawang has recorded around 5 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 29 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline over recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $654,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wallerawang shows approximately 63% of the construction activity per person and places among the 45th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 365 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Wallerawang will gain 188 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include the Wallerawang 9 Battery Energy Storage System, Great Western Battery, Former Wallerawang Power Station Redevelopment, and Sidey Place, Wallerawang. 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.

The labour market in Wallerawang demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Wallerawang has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. As of September 2025, there are 987 employed residents, which is 1.1% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate is similar to the regional average at 61.5%.

According to Census data, only 9.9% of residents work from home. The leading industries are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and mining. Mining is particularly strong with an employment share 3.9 times higher than the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.2%, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wallerawang's labour force decreased by 3.5% and employment declined by 4.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point.

In contrast, the Rest of NSW saw a 0.5% employment contraction, a 0.1% labour force drop, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wallerawang's industry mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Wallerawang's median taxpayer income in FY2023 was $49,948, with an average of $61,270. This is lower than the national average and compares to $52,390 and $65,215 in Rest of NSW respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, median income is estimated at $54,373 and average at $66,699. Wallerawang's household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in the 2021 Census, between the 22nd and 30th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 31.1% of locals (635 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999. Post-housing, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, were 94.1% houses and 5.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallerawang was at 35.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 26.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Wallerawang's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.0% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is higher than the Rest of 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 most prevalent at 7.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are common, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (35.5%). Educational participation is high at 29.2%, comprising primary education (12.1%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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 combined offer 161 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Wallerawang being primarily residential. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 51% (~1,045 people) of Wallerawang's population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.1% of residents) and asthma (9.3%). Notably, 63.0% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments compared to 63.3% in the rest of NSW. Working-age individuals face considerable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Wallerawang has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (20.8%, or 424 people) than the rest of NSW (23.4%). While national rankings for senior health outcomes are generally in line with the overall population, there are still notable challenges to address.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 92.1% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 54.4% of Wallerawang's population. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in Judaism, which made up 0.2% compared to the region's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.1%), Australian (30.1%), and Scottish (8.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (6.4%) Maltese (0.5%), and Polish (0.7%) populations were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.6%, 0.4%, and 0.5% respectively.

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

The median age in Wallerawang is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wallerawang has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.4%) but fewer individuals aged 85 and above (1.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population of those aged 75 to 84 increased from 4.8% to 6.8%, while the 35 to 44 age group grew from 11.2% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group decreased from 12.0% to 10.3%, and the 5 to 14 age group fell from 15.7% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wallerawang's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 21%, increasing from 247 to 299 individuals. However, the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.