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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wattle Grove (NSW) is around 8,925. This figure reflects an increase of 39 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,886. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,903 in June 2025, based on ABS ERP data, with an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,393 persons per square kilometer, placing Wattle Grove in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas covered, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Wattle Grove is expected to grow by 515 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 5.5% over the 16 years.

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 had around 7 new homes approved annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 35 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average value of new dwellings is $487,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. There have been $725,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a residential nature for the area. Compared to Greater Sydney, Wattle Grove has significantly lower building activity, 90.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This level is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 97.0% houses. With around 1493 people per dwelling approval, Wattle Grove reflects a highly mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Wattle Grove will gain 493 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include the 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 projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Wattle Grove rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wattle Grove has a highly educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 6,009 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Wattle Grove was high at 87.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 46.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area had a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 8.2% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.0% while labour force increased by 4.9%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wattle Grove's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, the suburb of Wattle Grove had a median income among taxpayers of $60,894 with the average level standing at $69,604. This is just above the national average and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from June 30, 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $67,178 (median) and $76,787 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Wattle Grove, between the 79th and 89th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 37.8% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 per week (3,373 people), mirroring the metropolitan region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. The area demonstrates considerable affluence with 37.3% earning over $3,000 per week. Housing accounts for 15.1% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 89th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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 found that 97.4% of dwellings in Wattle Grove were houses, with the remaining 2.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wattle Grove was at 26.6%, with mortgaged properties at 43.4% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, below Sydney metro's $2,427, while the median weekly rent was $500 compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Wattle Grove's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,200 versus Australia's 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, consisting of couples with children (52.4%), couples without children (20.6%), and single parent families (12.7%). Non-family households comprise the remaining 13.5%, with lone person households at 12.6% and group households making up 1.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, 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 university qualification rate is 30.4%, higher than 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 held by 35.1% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (22.0%).

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

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

Analysis of public transport in Wattle Grove shows 59 operational transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 18 different routes, offering a total of 491 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 150 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 88%, while train usage stands at 7%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.8, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 46.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 70 trips per day, equating to approximately 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 superior health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~4859 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% report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 11.0% (981 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. 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's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 30.9% born overseas and 32.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wattle Grove, comprising 62.3%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (23.1%), English (18.6%), and Other (15.4%).

Notably, Lebanese ethnicity is overrepresented at 2.1% in Wattle Grove versus 2.6% regionally, Macedonian at 1.2% versus 0.4%, and Spanish at 0.7% versus 0.6%.

Wattle Grove's population is younger than the national pattern

Wattle Grove has a median age of 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Sydney's 37 years and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group makes up 15.1% of Wattle Grove's population, higher than in Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 13.9%. Between 2021 and now, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 5.8% to 6.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 14.7% to 13.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Wattle Grove. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 177 people (59%) from 303 to 481. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.