Wauchope

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of the suburb of Wauchope is around 7,263 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 674 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,589 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,214 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2025 and additional 206 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 408 persons per square kilometer. Wauchope's population growth of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of NSW's 4.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 76.0% of overall gains, although all drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 2,005 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 26.9% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wauchope recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Wauchope recorded approximately 47 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 236 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.5 new residents arrived per new home each year during this period.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of these properties was $396,000, slightly higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY26, $11.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating consistent commercial investment activity in the area.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Wauchope shows 11.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. Recent construction trends show 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% attached dwellings, preserving Wauchope's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 305 people per dwelling approval, the market is developing. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wauchope is projected to grow by 1,956 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting the 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.

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 performance in Wauchope has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Wauchope has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate in December 2025 was 4.8%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. In this month, 3,086 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.8% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was lower at 54.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses showed that only 7.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Wauchope had a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 1.7% of Wauchope's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 1.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 could provide further insight into potential future demand within Wauchope. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wauchope's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows that in Wauchope, median taxpayer income was $39,267 and average income was $48,674 in financial year 2023. These figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Regional NSW. Based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023, estimated median income is approximately $43,319 and average income is $53,679 by March 2026. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in Wauchope between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. Predominant income bracket spans 29.9% of locals (2,171 people) earning $800 - 1,499, unlike Regional NSW where 29.9% earn $1,500 - 2,999. Housing affordability is severe with only 80.3% of income remaining, 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% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wauchope stood at 37.3%, lower than Regional NSW's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (29.3%) or rented (33.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below the Regional NSW average of $1,733 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Wauchope was $350, higher than Regional NSW's figure of $330 but lower than the national average of $375.

Wauchope features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical 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 constitute 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 aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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% 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 68 individual routes, collectively facilitating 666 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to Wauchope's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 95 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 46% of the total population (~3,359 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (10.8%), while 57.0% report no medical ailments, lower than the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have notably high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.5%, compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes are broadly in line with national rankings.

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 per 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 predominant religion, at 56.0%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. 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%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.6% 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 has a median age of 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 85 and above constitute 4.2%, while those aged 35 to 44 make up 10.2% of the population, lower than the Regional NSW percentage. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.4% to 12.5%, while the age group of 5 to 14 has decreased from 13.3% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Wauchope's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 36%, adding 301 people and reaching a total of 1,129 from the current figure of 827. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age cohort is projected to have minimal growth, increasing by just 7% with an addition of 59 people.