Wallsend

Population growth drivers in Wallsend are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Wallsend's population is estimated at around 13,724. This reflects an increase of 480 people from the 2021 Census figure of 13,244. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses after examining the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), which estimated a resident population of 13,620 for Wallsend and its surrounding areas. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,227 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Wallsend's growth rate since the Census, at 3.6%, is within 1.5 percentage points of non-metro areas' growth (5.1%), indicating competitive fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% to recent population gains 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, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, the suburb is expected to grow above the median regional rate in Australia. By 2041, Wallsend's population is projected to increase by 1,924 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.7% 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 approximately 54 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 271 homes. As of FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates around 2.4 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value for these dwellings is $410,000.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $8.6 million. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wallsend exhibits around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks at the 56th percentile nationally. Detached houses comprise approximately 31.0%, while attached dwellings account for 69.0%. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, benefiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Currently, the area has around 277 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density area.

By 2041, Wallsend is projected to add approximately 1,876 residents. Construction pace is maintaining with population growth projections, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as population increases.

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 identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Wallsend has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Wallsend has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of June 2025, 6,939 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is similar at 56.4%. Leading 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, but agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5% compared to 5.3% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force rose by 2.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Wallsend's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $52,140. The average income stood at $61,506 during this period. For comparison, the median and average incomes for Rest of NSW were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,715 (median) and $69,262 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Wallsend rank modestly, between the 28th and 28th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 31.8% of Wallsend's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is 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, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, were 77.8% houses and 22.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallsend was 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented dwellings at 38.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. Median weekly rent in Wallsend was $375, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400 and the national figure of $375. Nationally, Wallsend's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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 make up the remaining 36.8%, consisting of 31.1% lone person households and 5.5% group households. 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 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (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. Wallsend's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,707 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 977) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with three primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis indicates 109 active transport stops operating within Wallsend. These stops are served by a mix of buses, with 87 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 2,464 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 352 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 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 age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (~7,037 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 55.6%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.1 and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.4% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 64.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.6% (2,552 people), compared to the state average of 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are generally aligned with those of the wider population.

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

Wallsend's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of the 2016 Census, 88.1% of its population were Australian citizens, with 84.3% born in Australia and 87.4% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion was Christianity, comprising 51.4% of Wallsend's population.

Islam was overrepresented compared to the Rest of NSW, making up 2.9% versus 1.7%. In terms of ancestry, Australians were the largest group at 28.8%, followed by English and Scottish at 28.8% and 7.9% respectively. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Macedonian was overrepresented at 1.0% (versus 0.8% regionally), as were Polish at 1.0% and Welsh at 0.7%.

Wallsend's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Wallsend's median age is 38, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 18.3% of Wallsend's population, higher than Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 8.5%, lower than Rest of NSW. Post the 2021 Census, younger residents have reduced the median age by 1 year to 38. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.8% to 18.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.5%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.3%. By 2041, Wallsend's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 30%, adding 756 residents to reach 3,268. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.