Wauchope

Population growth drivers in Wauchope are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Wauchope statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,086. This figure reflects a growth of 497 people since the 2021 Census, marking an increase of 7.5%. The resident population was estimated at 6,912 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, with an additional 193 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this change. This results in a density ratio of 398 persons per square kilometer. The Wauchope (SA2) experienced a higher growth rate compared to the non-metro area's 5.7% and the SA4 region, making it a notable growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also contributing positively.

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, AreaSearch utilises the 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 years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is forecasted to experience significant population growth, placing it in the top quartile nationally among regional areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Wauchope (SA2) is expected to increase by 2,139 persons over this period, reflecting a total gain of 28.2%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Wauchope when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Wauchope has recorded around 46 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 230 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved so far in FY26. This indicates an average of 2.9 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $396,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY26, $11.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Wauchope shows 12.0% lower construction activity per person but places among the 49th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

Recent construction comprises 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 329 people per dwelling approval, Wauchope shows a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wauchope is expected to grow by 1,997 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wauchope has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects are Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6 including Steels Bridge Wauchope, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Wauchope's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented with an unemployment rate of 5.0%, as per AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 3,009 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wauchope stands at 49.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.7% of Wauchope's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wauchope's labour force increased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 1.0%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Meanwhile, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wauchope's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Wauchope had a median taxpayer income of $39,267 and an average income of $48,674. These figures are lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Wauchope is approximately $42,746 and average income is $52,987 as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Wauchope fall between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.9% of locals (2,118 people) earn between $800 and $1,499, unlike regional trends where 29.9% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wauchope, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

In Wauchope, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wauchope stood at 37.3%, with mortgaged properties at 29.3% and rented dwellings at 33.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Wauchope was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $375. Nationally, Wauchope's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Wauchope features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.3% of all households, including 21.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualified residents at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (35.2%). Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.6% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wauchope has 50 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 68 routes operating in total, resulting in 666 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 219 meters. On average, there are 95 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wauchope is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wauchope faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~3,277 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.9% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (10.8%), while 57.0% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 59.9% in Rest of NSW.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 24.7% (1,750 people), compared to 28.7% across Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

The latest Census data sees Wauchope placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wauchope's population, as of the 2016 Census, showed low cultural diversity with 92.1% Australian citizens, 92.4% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 56.0%, compared to 57.5% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.0%), English (32.1%), and Irish (8.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (7.2%) and Maori (0.6%) populations were higher than regional averages of 3.8% and 0.3%, respectively. French ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.5%.

Wauchope hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Wauchope's median age is 43, matching Rest of NSW and exceeding Australia's national average of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 85 years or older comprise 4.1%, while those aged 55 to 64 make up 10.9%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 9.5% to 10.3%, whereas the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections forecast notable shifts in Wauchope's age structure: the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 42%, adding 344 people and reaching a total of 1,174 from its current figure of 829. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age cohort is projected to show minimal growth of just 10%, with an increase of 83 individuals.