Watanobbi

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

Watanobbi's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 4,091 people. This figure reflects a growth of 111 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,980. AreaSearch estimated this based on resident population data from June 2024 and six additional validated addresses post-Census. The current density ratio stands at 2,311 persons per square kilometer, surpassing national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Watanobbi's growth rate of 2.8% since the Census is close to that of its SA4 region (3.7%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% to overall population gains in recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data from 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. By 2041, the Watanobbi statistical area (Lv2) is projected to increase by 288 persons, reflecting a total growth rate of 7.2% over 17 years, which is just below the Australian median.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Watanobbi has around 10 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 51 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these years.

The new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New properties are constructed at an average value of $493,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY26, $22.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Watanobbi has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 21st percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. The level is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New building activity shows 40% standalone homes and 60% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix of 87% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Watanobbi reflects a highly mature market with around 744 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Watanobbi is expected to grow by 294 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Watanobbi has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area: Warnervale Water and Sewer Infrastructure Program, Wadalba Small Lot Housing Development, Warnervale Link Road, and Pacific Highway Upgrade through Wyong Town Centre. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Watanobbi are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Watanobbi's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of September 2025, 1,806 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Sydney's at 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags behind Greater Sydney at 53.4%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, but professional & technical services are underrepresented at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as shown by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force grew by 3.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Watanobbi's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Watanobbi suburb's income level is lower than average nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Watanobbi is $46,200 and average income stands at $56,138. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Watanobbi are approximately $50,293 (median) and $61,112 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Watanobbi fall between 17th and 21st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Predominant income cohort spans 31.3% of locals (1,280 people) in $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to broader area at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 77.1% of income remaining, ranking at 14th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Watanobbi, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.8% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 83.2% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Watanobbi was 22.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented ones at 42.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,710, lower than Sydney metro's $1,900. The median weekly rent figure in Watanobbi was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $385. Nationally, Watanobbi's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Watanobbi has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.0% of all households, including 27.0% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 21.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

Watanobbi faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.2%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Watanobbi has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 32 different routes that together facilitate 729 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated excellent, with residents on average being located just 183 meters from the nearest stop.

On an average day, there are 104 trips across all routes, which works out to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Watanobbi is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Watanobbi. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 49% (~2011 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (12.0%) and asthma (9.8%). Conversely, 62.2% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 61.5%. Watanobbi has 14.6% (~597 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 22.3%. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's health profile, presenting some challenges.

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

Watanobbi's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.6% of its population being citizens, 83.7% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Watanobbi, comprising 51.0% of people. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which made up 0.9% compared to 0.5% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (29.3%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (6.6%). Spanish representation was notably higher at 0.8%, compared to 0.3% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal and Maori were also overrepresented at 6.0% and 0.9% respectively.

Watanobbi's population is younger than the national pattern

Watanobbi's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 years and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes a strong 12.7% of Watanobbi's population compared to Greater Sydney, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.9% to 5.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 12.2%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Watanobbi. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 76 people (117%) from 65 to 142. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.