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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Wallerawang statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,036. This figure reflects an increase of 17 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,019. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,971 in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 30 persons per square kilometer. The Wallerawang (SA2)'s growth rate of 0.8% since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed around 70.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

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, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections suggest that the Wallerawang (SA2) will grow by approximately 225 persons to reach a total population of around 2,261 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.9% over the 17-year period. This growth rate is expected to be just below the median for locations outside capital cities.

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 29 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. The population has been declining recently, yet development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, favouring buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $654,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, commercial development approvals totalled $1.5 million, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wallerawang shows approximately 63% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 45th percentile nationally in terms of buyer options, while demand for established dwellings strengthens. This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Wallerawang's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 365 people. Population forecasts indicate Wallerawang will gain 202 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development pace keeps 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Wallerawang 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.

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 white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent, and the unemployment rate is 2.7%.

As of September 2025, there are 994 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 1.1% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and mining, which has a particularly high share at 3.9 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.2% locally, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wallerawang's labour force decreased by 3.5%, while employment fell by 4.5%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. Statewide, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wallerawang's employment mix indicates local employment should increase 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023 shows Wallerawang had a median taxpayer income of $49,948 and an average income of $61,270. Nationally, the median was $52,390 and the average was $65,215. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, Wallerawang's estimated median income is approximately $54,373 and average income is $66,699. The 2021 Census ranks incomes in Wallerawang between the 22nd and 30th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate that 31.1% of locals (633 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% fall within this range. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses.

Wallerawang is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Wallerawang dwellings were 94.1% houses and 5.8% other dwellings at the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallerawang was 35.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 26.0%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $1,600. Median weekly rent in Wallerawang was $275, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Wallerawang's median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,517 is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent figure of $275 is substantially below the national average 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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 common 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% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (12.1%), secondary (8.5%), and tertiary (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 58 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 23 different routes that collectively facilitate 161 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents typically situated 196 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 23 daily trips across all routes, which equates 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 substantial health challenges, as indicated by its health data.

Both younger and older age cohorts have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 51% (~1,042 people) of Wallerawang's total population has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and asthma (9.3%). A majority, 63.0%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 62.9%. Wallerawang has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 20.3% (413 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 23.1%. The health outcomes among seniors largely align with those of the general population.

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, as per the findings, had a cultural diversity index below average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens at 92.1%, with 92.4% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 54.4% of Wallerawang's population.

Notably, Judaism, though a minority at 0.2%, was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.1%), Australian (30.1%), and Scottish (8.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant variations: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.4% in Wallerawang versus the regional average of 4.9%, Maltese stood at 0.5% compared to the same regional figure, and Polish were slightly more represented at 0.7% against a regional average of 0.4%.

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 years but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wallerawang has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (6.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 4.8% to 6.5%, while those aged 15 to 24 increased from 11.1% to 12.5%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 decreased from 12.0% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wallerawang's age structure. Notably, the population aged 25 to 34 is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 301 people from 242. However, the populations aged 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 are projected to decline.