Waratah (NSW)

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

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Waratah (NSW) had an estimated population of around 5,015 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 88 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,927 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,971 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,625 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. According to demographic trends, the suburb is projected to have an above median population growth compared to Australia's regional areas. By 2041, it is expected to expand by 632 persons, reflecting a total gain of 10.8% over the 17 years.

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

Waratah has averaged approximately 15 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 75 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 was around 0.3 people. New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $510,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, there have been $964,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Waratah shows approximately half the construction activity per person and places among the 16th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This indicates more limited choices for buyers and supports 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 and suit downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix of 62.0% houses.

Waratah reflects a highly mature market with around 986 people per dwelling approval. From the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Waratah is expected to grow by approximately 540 residents through to 2041. 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Former Waratah Gasworks Redevelopment, Waratah Park Masterplan, Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC), and another Hunter Indoor Sports Centre project. 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.

Waratah has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Waratah has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of September 2025, lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%.

Residents' participation in the workforce is high at 66.7%, compared to the Rest of NSW average of 61.5%. A notable proportion of residents work from home, with 26.1% doing so according to Census responses. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Waratah specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating that the area serves as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding regions. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8%, while the labour force grew by 3.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a corresponding increase in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% 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.

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 financial year 2023, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average for Rest of NSW, which had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 during the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated median income in Waratah would be approximately $55,987 and average income would be around $67,252. In Waratah, household incomes ranked between the 36th and 46th percentiles according to 2021 Census figures. The predominant income bracket was $1,500 - 2,999, with 31.6% of locals (1,584 people) falling into this category. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Waratah, with only 80.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile. The area'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). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waratah was at 22.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (48.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,827, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro 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 Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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

Waratah has a higher proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 31.6% of Waratah's residents have university qualifications compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is particularly notable in bachelor degrees, which are held by 21.4% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow at 7.3% and 2.9%, respectively.

Vocational credentials are also prominent in Waratah, with 34.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 9.8% while certificates make up 25.1%. Educational participation is high in the area, 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

Transport analysis indicates 65 active public transport stops in Waratah. These comprise a mix of train and bus services, totaling 64 routes that facilitate 5,368 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 120 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Car remains dominant at 88%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below regional average.

Notably, 26.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 766 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 82 weekly trips per 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with approximately 51% of the total population (~2,577 people) having private health cover. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in the area, affecting 12.6% of residents, followed by arthritis at 8.6%. Conversely, 59.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across the rest of NSW. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Waratah has 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,143 people), with senior health outcomes presenting some challenges but generally aligning with national rankings.

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 cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 85.0% citizens, 82.8% born in Australia, and 87.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the prevalent religion at 49.7%. Judaism is slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (28.4%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (10.2%). Welsh, Polish, and Macedonian groups show notable divergences: Welsh at 0.7% vs regional 0.5%, Polish at 0.9% vs 0.5%, and Macedonian at 0.4%.

Waratah's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Waratah is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Waratah has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (21.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Waratah's median age has decreased by 1.7 years from 41 to 39, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes since the previous census show that the 25-34 age group has grown from 17.0% to 21.4%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 9.1%, and the 85+ group dropped from 8.8% to 6.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Waratah's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 272 people (25%) from 1,073 to 1,346. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts.