Waratah West

An assessment of population growth drivers in Waratah West reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Waratah West is around 3,279 people. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census count of 3,142 people, a rise of 137 individuals (approximately 4.4%). AreaSearch validated this estimate by examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and considering additional 57 new addresses since the Census date, resulting in an estimated resident population of 3,258. This results in a density ratio of approximately 2,088 persons per square kilometer for Waratah West, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the census, at around 4.4%, is close to that of non-metro areas (5.1%), indicating strong population fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this growth during recent periods.

For future projections until 2041, 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Waratah West is projected to grow by approximately 486 persons, reflecting an increase of around 13.7% in total over the 17-year period. This projection indicates above median growth trends for locations outside capital cities.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Waratah West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis indicates that Waratah West has seen approximately 16 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 84 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents per year are associated with each new home in Waratah West between FY21 and FY25, suggesting a balance between supply and demand.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings over this period is $510,000. This financial year has seen $4.7 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's residential character. Waratah West maintains similar construction rates per person relative to the Rest of NSW, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. The mix of new building activity in Waratah West is 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the current housing mix of 85.0% houses reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 403 people per dwelling approval, Waratah West indicates a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Waratah West is projected to add approximately 450 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Waratah West 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 eight projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include Former Waratah Gasworks Redevelopment, Waratah Park Masterplan, Hunter Indoor Sports Centre (HISC), and Callaghan Campus Heart. The following list details those likely to be most 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 West has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Waratah West has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% as of a recent period.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. As of June 2025, 1,848 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was 63.1%, surpassing Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading industries for residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food.

Waratah West had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, at 0.6% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waratah West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Waratah West had median taxpayer income of $44,944 and average income of $53,987 in financial year 2022. This was below national averages of $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) for Rest of NSW. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $50,611 (median) and $60,795 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows Waratah West's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 25th and 36th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 33.1% of locals (1,085 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This is consistent with surrounding region trends showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 32nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Waratah West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.2% houses and 14.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's structure of 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waratah West was at 25.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 45.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,853, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent figure was $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Waratah West's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Waratah West features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 58.4% of all households, including 19.3% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.6%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households making up 13.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 27.4% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 8.6% while certificates make up 21.9%.

Educational participation is high at 34.1%, including 15.7% in tertiary education, 6.2% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education. Aspect Hunter School, Waratah West Satellite, and Waratah West Public School serve a total of 108 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 959) offering balanced educational opportunities. The two schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas due to limited local capacity (3.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5). Many families travel outside the area for schooling as a result. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 25 active transport stops operating within Waratah West, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 20 individual routes, collectively facilitating 934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 117 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 133 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Waratah West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Waratah West faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent to a higher degree among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,585 people), compared to 55.6% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 12.3% of residents, while asthma affects 8.7%.

Sixty-six point eight percent declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.9% across Rest of NSW. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (363 people), lower than the 16.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Waratah West was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Waratah West has a cultural diversity index above the average, with 19.5% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Waratah West, comprising 43.5% of the population. Islam, however, is overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, making up 4.1% versus 1.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.0%), Australian (26.1%), and Other (9.2%). Notably, Polish (1.0%) and Serbian (0.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Waratah West compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.2%, respectively. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal people are also overrepresented at 5.2% versus the regional average of 3.2%.

Waratah West hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Waratah West's median age is 30 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to the Rest of NSW, Waratah West has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (24.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.1%). This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.4 years to 30 years. Key changes show that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 21.6% to 24.6%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.6% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 3.3% to 1.1% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 5.7% to 3.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Waratah West. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 259 people (32%) from 806 to 1,066. Conversely, both the 85+ and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.