Wauchope

Population growth drivers in Wauchope are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Wauchope is around 7,023. This reflects an increase of 434 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,589. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,942 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 193 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 394 persons per square kilometer. Wauchope's growth rate of 6.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.7%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant increase is forecast for Wauchope, expected to reach 9,158 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 29.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Wauchope among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Wauchope has recorded around 44 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 223 homes were approved, with an additional 2 so far in FY-26. On average, 3 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

This indicates that demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $396,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In the current financial year, $9.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development.

Compared to Rest of NSW, Wauchope shows 14.0% lower construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed. Recent construction comprises 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 238 people per dwelling approval, Wauchope shows a developing market. Looking ahead, Wauchope is expected to grow by 2,056 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting the area: Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6 including Steels Bridge Wauchope. Other key projects are 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.

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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 between white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of June 2024.

Employment has been stable over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of June 2025, 2,980 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 49.3% versus Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Wauchope has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.2 times the regional level), but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Wauchope's labour force increased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point unemployment rise. Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary. Applying these projections to Wauchope's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Wauchope had a median income among taxpayers of $39,267 in financial year 2022. The average income was $48,674. These figures are lower than the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since FY2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,219 and $54,812 respectively. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Wauchope fall between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket spans 29.9% of locals (2,099 people) earning between $800 and $1,499 per week, unlike regional trends where 29.9% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 units, 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 dwellings at 29.3% and rented ones 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 $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% that are couples with children, 27.7% that are couples without children, and 16.9% that are 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%. 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 9.8%, significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 35.2%.

Educational participation is 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. Wauchope's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,308 students as of the latest data. The area has varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 941. Education provision is balanced, with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (18.6 places per 100 residents vs 14.2 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Wauchope has 44 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 70 individual routes serving these stops, providing a total of 735 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents typically located 219 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 105 trips per day, which equates to approximately 16 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 age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 3,248 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 48.6% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (10.8%).

About 57.0% claim no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 59.9%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 24.7%, or approximately 1,734 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 28.7%. Health outcomes for seniors mirror those of the general population.

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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 92.1% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (92.4%), and speaking English only at home (97.6%). The predominant religion in Wauchope is Christianity, accounting for 56.0%, compared to 57.5% across the Rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (34.0%), English (32.1%), and Irish (8.0%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 7.2% in Wauchope compared to 3.8% regionally, Maori at 0.6% versus 0.3%, and French at 0.5% against 0.4%.

Wauchope hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Wauchope has a median age of 43, which is equal to the Rest of NSW figure and higher than the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 85 and above make up 4.1% of the population, while the 35-44 age group comprises 10.3%, which is smaller compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 35-44 age group has increased from 9.5% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wauchope's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 43%, adding 349 people and reaching a total of 1,171 from the current figure of 821.