Wallsend

Population growth drivers in Wallsend are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Wallsend's population is estimated at around 13,922. This reflects an increase of 678 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,244. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,711 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 190 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,245 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Wallsend's growth rate of 5.1% since census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the non-metro area (5.7%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections 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. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the Wallsend SA2, expected to grow by 1,921 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.0% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Wallsend when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wallsend recorded around 57 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 288 homes. So far in FY-26, 32 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.3 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value of new homes was $410,000.

In FY-26, $2.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wallsend shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally. New building activity comprises 31.0% detached houses and 69.0% attached dwellings. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 78.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 232 people per dwelling approval, Wallsend is considered a low density area.

Future projections estimate Wallsend will add 1,675 residents by 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include Western Corridor Road Upgrades - Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road, 6-10 Council Street Apartments, Duncan Close Residential Development, and Infinite Early Learning Elermore Vale. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment drivers in Wallsend are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wallsend has a skilled workforce with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 6,959 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.0% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5% compared to the regional 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population and resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while labour force rose by 3.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wallsend's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Wallsend had a lower than average national income level according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Wallsend was $52,140 and the average income stood at $61,506. For comparison, Rest of NSW's figures were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,760 (median) and $66,955 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Wallsend ranked modestly, between the 28th and 28th percentiles. Income analysis showed that 31.8% of the population (4,427 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

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

Wallsend's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 77.8% houses and 22.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallsend was 30.5%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. Mortgaged dwellings were 31.4% and rented ones 38.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,962, while the median weekly rent was $375, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Wallsend's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus Australia's average of $1,863, with rents comparable at $375.

Wallsend features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.2% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 5.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Wallsend fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 22.1%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (27.5%). Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 6.9% in tertiary, and 6.5% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 6.9% in tertiary education, and 6.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Wallsend has 133 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 86 different routes that together facilitate 2,488 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated highly, with residents on average being located just 138 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 355 transport trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wallsend is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wallsend faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 51% (~7,139 people) have private health cover, lower than the 56.7% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent, impacting 12.1 and 10.0% respectively. Around 59.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% in Rest of NSW. Wallsend has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.6% (2,589 people), compared to 16.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, mirroring the general population's health profile.

Wallsend ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wallsend, surveyed in June 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. 88.1% of its residents were Australian citizens, with 84.3% born in Australia and 87.4% speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 51.4% of Wallsend's population.

Notably, Islam was overrepresented compared to the Rest of NSW, comprising 2.9% versus 1.7%. Ancestry-wise, Australians topped the list at 28.8%, followed by English (28.8%) and Scottish (7.9%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Macedonian was 1.0% in Wallsend compared to 0.8% regionally, Polish also stood at 1.0% versus 0.8%, and Welsh was 0.7% versus 0.8%.

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

Wallsend's median age is 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but matches the national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 years old makes up a strong 18.3% of Wallsend's population compared to the Rest of NSW figure, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.5%. Post the 2021 Census, younger residents have lowered the median age by 1 year to 38. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 15.8% to 18.3%, while the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.5%. The 55-64 age group has also dropped from 11.6% to 10.3%. By 2041, Wallsend's age composition is projected to shift significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 28%, adding 720 residents to reach a total of 3,268. Conversely, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.