Wallsend

Wallsend has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Wallsend is around 13,930. This represents an increase of 686 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,244. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 13,711, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of 194 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,246 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wallsend's growth rate of 5.2% since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (5.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

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. These projections indicate that Wallsend is expected to grow by around 1,925 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 12.1% over the 17-year period. This growth rate is just below the median for locations outside capital cities.

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. This totals an estimated 288 homes from FY-17 to FY-21. 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 shows characteristics of a low density area. Future projections estimate Wallsend to add 1,684 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Western Corridor Road Upgrades along Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road, 6-10 Council Street Apartments, Duncan Close Residential Development, and Infinite Early Learning Elermore Vale. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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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 representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 6960 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is 2.0% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wallsend was 63.8%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 21.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Wallsend had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence, with only 0.5% employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 3.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw a decrease in employment by 0.5% and an increase in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Wallsend had a median income among taxpayers of $52,140 and an average income of $61,506 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than those for Rest of NSW, which were $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023 would be approximately $56,760 (median) and $66,955 (average) for Wallsend. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Wallsend rank modestly, between the 28th and 28th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 31.8% of Wallsend's population, which is 4,429 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wallsend, with only 80.9% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

The dwelling structure in Wallsend, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.8% houses and 22.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallsend was at 30.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wallsend was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $375, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Wallsend's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 has university qualification rates of 22.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.3% and certificates for 27.5%.

Educational participation is 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

Public transport analysis indicates 136 active transport stops in Wallsend, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 86 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,488 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the primary mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 21.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 355 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 51% (around 7,143 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.1% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Only 59.4% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,535 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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

Wallsend, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2009, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population comprised 88.1% citizens, with 84.3% born in Australia and 87.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 51.4% of Wallsend's residents.

Notably, Islam was overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, making up 2.9% of Wallsend's population against a regional average of 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, Australian and English were equally prominent at 28.8%, followed by Scottish at 7.9%. Macedonian (1.0%), Polish (1.0%), and Welsh (0.7%) groups showed notable overrepresentation compared to their regional counterparts.

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

Wallsend's median age is 38, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up a strong 18.8% in Wallsend compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.3%. Post the 2021 Census, younger residents have lowered the median age by 1.1 years to 38. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 15.8% to 18.8%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 11.9% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.3%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.1%. By 2041, Wallsend's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 25%, adding 645 residents to reach 3,264. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.