Watanobbi

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Watanobbi is around 4,125, reflecting a growth of 145 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a 3.6% rise from the previously reported figure of 3,980 inhabitants. AreaSearch's analysis, which considered the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and validated new addresses, estimated a resident population of 4,097 for Watanobbi. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,330 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Notably, Watanobbi's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (3.1%), making it a growth leader within that area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of the overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Watanobbi are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population projections indicate that Watanobbi is expected to experience an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to rise by 293 persons, representing a total increase of 6.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Watanobbi recorded approximately 9 residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 49 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26. Over these years, an average of 0.6 new residents was associated with each dwelling constructed.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties was $493,000. In FY-26, $3.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Greater Sydney, Watanobbi has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally. This suggests somewhat limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established homes. New building activity comprises 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix (87.0% houses).

With around 511 people per dwelling approval, Watanobbi shows a developed market. By 2041, Watanobbi is expected to grow by approximately 265 residents. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Watanobbi has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are likely to impact this particular area. Among these key projects are the 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 most relevant to the area.

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.

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

Watanobbi has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area.

The unemployment rate was 8.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of this date, 1,789 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.8%, which was higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Watanobbi lagged behind Greater Sydney's figures, with a rate of 53.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Notably, the area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share that was 1.3 times higher than the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The predominantly residential nature of Watanobbi appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.5%, while the labour force grew by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a rise in unemployment rate of only 0.3 percentage points. For future insights into potential demand within Watanobbi's job market, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 can be considered. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. Nationally, employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Watanobbi's employment mix suggested that local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years. It is important to note that these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not take into account localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Watanobbi's median income among taxpayers was $46,200 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $56,138 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Sydney's median and average incomes of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Watanobbi would be approximately $52,026 (median) and $63,217 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Watanobbi all fall between the 17th and 21st percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 31.3% of locals (1,291 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Watanobbi, with only 77.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 14th percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Watanobbi with 86.8% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 86.8% houses and 13.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Watanobbi stood at 22.1%, with mortgaged properties at 35.2% and rented dwellings at 42.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,710, below Sydney metro's average of $1,900. Median weekly rent in Watanobbi was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $385. Nationally, Watanobbi's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 constitute the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.2%, significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (10.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 32.1%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.9% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education. Wyong Public School provides local educational services within Watanobbi, with an enrollment of 408 students as of the latest data. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.9, below the regional average of 13.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis in Watanobbi shows 23 active public transport stops operating. These are mixed bus stops served by 32 routes offering 708 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 101 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 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 notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 49% (~2028 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 12.0% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.8%. Around 62.2% report being free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 61.5%. The area has 14.6% (602 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 22.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly consistent with the general population's health profile.

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

Watanobbi's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 86.6% citizens, 83.7% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 51.0%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups were English (29.3%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (6.6%). Notably, Spanish (0.8% vs regional 0.3%), Australian Aboriginal (6.0% vs 4.5%), and Maori (0.9% vs 0.6%) groups were overrepresented.

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 comprises 12.6% of Watanobbi's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage. Meanwhile, the 35-44 age cohort makes up 12.1%. Between 2021 and present day, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.9% to 5.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Watanobbi. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 76 people (115%), from 66 to 142. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.