Waratah (NSW)

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

Based on ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of the suburb of Waratah (NSW) was around 4,957 as of May 2026. This showed an increase of 30 people from the 2021 Census figure of 4,927, reflecting a growth rate of 0.6%. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 4,950 in June 2025 and the validation of 43 new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,595 persons per square kilometer, placing Waratah in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 were used. Growth rates by age group were applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Waratah is expected to experience population growth just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, increasing by 597 persons to reach a total of 5,554 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 11.9% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Waratah, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Waratah has averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 75 homes. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, between FY-21 and FY-25, there has been an average of 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. However, recent data shows this ratio has moderated to 1 person per dwelling over the past two financial years. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $510,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, there have been $964,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Waratah shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 16th percentile of areas assessed nationally, implying more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 25.0% detached dwellings and 75.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a focus on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix of 62.0% houses. Waratah reflects a highly mature market with around 994 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Waratah is expected to grow by 590 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Former Waratah Gasworks Redevelopment, Waratah Park Masterplan, Mayfield Concept Plan, and Newcastle Port Logistics Hub. 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 Waratah has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Waratah has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of December 2025. Employment stability was maintained over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,799 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was high at 67.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses indicated that 26.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.4% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. There was one worker for every resident as at the Census, indicating that Waratah functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels remained stable with a 0.0% change, while labour force increased by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional NSW's employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waratah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Waratah had a median taxpayer income of $51,430 and an average income of $61,778 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. Regional NSW's median income was $52,390 with an average income of $65,215 during the same period. By March 2026, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%, Waratah's estimated median income would be approximately $56,738 and the average would be around $68,153. In the 2021 Census, household incomes in Waratah ranked between the 36th and 46th percentiles. The predominant income bracket was $1,500 - 2,999, with 31.6% of locals (1,566 people) falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 29.9% of residents were in the same income bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Waratah, with only 80.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Waratah displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Waratah's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.5% houses and 37.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waratah stood at 22.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented ones at 48.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,827, exceeding Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Waratah was $350, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Waratah's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 56.0% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 44.0%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households comprising 8.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Waratah aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Waratah has a notably high educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 31.6% holding university qualifications, compared to the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 26.1% in SA4 region. This is largely driven by bachelor degrees (21.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.9% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (25.1%). Educational participation is notably high in Waratah, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.6% in tertiary education, 7.9% in primary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Waratah has 65 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 64 unique routes, facilitating 5,368 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 120 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 88%, while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.1% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 766 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 82 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Waratah faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which numbers around 2,547 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 12.6% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a senior population of 22.4%, comprising 1,110 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Waratah records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Waratah's population showed cultural diversity similar to its region, with 85.0% citizens, 82.8% born in Australia, and 87.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.7%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (28.4%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Welsh (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), Polish (0.9% vs 0.5%), and Macedonian (0.4%) showed higher representation than the regional averages.

Waratah's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Waratah was 40 years as of the last census, which is slightly below Regional NSW's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age group made up 20.4% of Waratah's population, a notable overrepresentation compared to Regional NSW's average and significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group was underrepresented at 7.1%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Waratah's median age dropped from 41 years to 40 years, indicating a youthening trend. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 17.0% to 20.4%, while those aged 35-44 rose from 11.3% to 13.9%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 85 and above decreased from 8.8% to 6.6%, and the 45-54 age group fell from 11.3% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for Waratah in 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 252 people, increasing from 1,011 to 1,264, a rise of 25%. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.