Wattle Grove (NSW)

Wattle Grove is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wattle Grove (NSW) is around 9,074. This figure reflects an increase of 188 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,886. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,951 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,450 persons per square kilometer, placing Wattle Grove in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections until 2041, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 550 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 6.1% in total over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Wattle Grove is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wattle Grove has had around 5 new homes approved each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 29 homes were approved, with another 4 approved so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $487,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, $725,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing minimal commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Wattle Grove has significantly reduced construction levels (92.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction has been standalone homes, preserving the suburban nature of the location and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 2591 people per dwelling approval, it demonstrates an established market. By 2041, Wattle Grove is expected to grow by 556 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects that could affect the area. Notable ones are M5 Motorway Westbound Traffic Upgrade, La Vie @ Casula, 599-601 Hume Highway Casula Multi-Dwelling Housing, and Holsworthy Local Centre Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Wattle Grove places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Wattle Grove has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.0% in September 2025, lower than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 5994 residents were employed while workforce participation stood at 86.6%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicated that 46.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 8.2% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force grew by 4.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.2%. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1%, labour force grow by 2.4%, and unemployment increase to 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Wattle Grove. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with variations between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wattle Grove's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows Wattle Grove had a median taxpayer income of $60,894 and an average of $69,604. Nationally, the averages were $60,817 and $83,003 respectively in Greater Sydney. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, median income is estimated at $66,289 and average at $75,771. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in Wattle Grove between the 79th and 89th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band includes 37.8% of residents (3,429 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region at 30.9%. High earners make up 37.3%, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing consumes 15.1% of income, with residents ranking in the 89th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking is in the 8th decile.

Wattle Grove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Wattle Grove as 97.4% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wattle Grove was at 26.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Wattle Grove was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Wattle Grove's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,200 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wattle Grove features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 86.5% of all households, broken down into 52.4% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 13.5%, with lone person households at 12.6% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Wattle Grove shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 30.4%, surpassing the SA4 region average of 21.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 22.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.7% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 5.8% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wattle Grove shows that there are 59 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 18 individual routes providing service to them. Collectively, these routes facilitate 491 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the region is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing approximately 150 meters away from their nearest transport stop. As Wattle Grove is predominantly residential, most commuting by its residents is outward-bound. The car remains the primary mode of transportation for these residents, with 88% using this method, while only 7% opt for train travel.

The average number of vehicles owned per dwelling in the area is 1.8, which exceeds the regional average. According to the 2021 Census data, a significant proportion of residents, specifically 46.5%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages approximately 70 trips per day, equating to about 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Wattle Grove is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Wattle Grove shows better-than-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~4,940 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.4 and 6.0% of residents respectively. 75.6% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,007 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Wattle Grove was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wattle Grove had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 30.9% of its population born overseas and 32.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wattle Grove, comprising 62.3% of people, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 49.2%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (23.1%), English (18.6%), and Other (15.4%).

Notably, Lebanese (2.1%) and Macedonian (1.2%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Wattle Grove compared to regional averages of 2.6% and 0.4%, respectively. Spanish ethnicity was also slightly higher at 0.7%.

Wattle Grove's population is younger than the national pattern

Wattle Grove's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 years and somewhat younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 15.3% of Wattle Grove's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group makes up 13.5%, which is less prevalent compared to other areas. Between 2021 and now, the 65-74 age group has increased from 5.8% to 6.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.7% to 13.5%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Wattle Grove. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to rise substantially, with an increase of 190 people (58%) from 326 to 517. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.