Waverley (NSW)

Waverley 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 Waverley (NSW) is around 4,393 people. This figure represents an increase of 177 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,216 people in the area. The latest resident population estimate was derived from AreaSearch's analysis of the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and validation of 40 new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7,321 persons per square kilometer, placing Waverley among the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 4.2% growth since the Census is comparable to its SA3 area (5.6%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary growth for Waverley.

Population projections indicate above median growth for national statistical areas, with an expected increase of 770 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total gain of 17.5% over the 16-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Waverley has experienced around 10 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 50 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in the financial year 2026-27. Despite a fall in population during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $777,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year, $13.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Waverley shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 11th percentile of areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction has been comprised of attached dwellings, a trend that provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 18.0% houses. The location has approximately 1438 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Waverley will gain 770 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Waverley has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely affecting this region: Origami Bondi Junction and Sydney Light Rail Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach Extension. Other notable initiatives include Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan, Eastern Suburbs Railway Extension, and Woollahra Station Activation. The following list details projects most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Waverley positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Waverley has an educated workforce with 2.0% unemployment as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.4%. The unemployment rate is 2.1% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is 75.6%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

Sixty-point-one percent of residents work from home, according to Census responses. Key industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Waverley specializes in professional & technical employment, with a share 1.7 times the regional level. Retail trade is under-represented, at 5.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 9.3%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, while labour force grew by 2.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waverley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Waverley shows a median taxpayer income of $72,901 and an average income of $135,780 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $80,424 (median) and $149,792 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Waverley, between the 95th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 36.4% of residents earn over $4000 per week (1,599 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Waverley demonstrates considerable affluence with 48.4% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 19.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 94th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Waverley features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Waverley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 17.5% houses and 82.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waverley was at 24.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented dwellings at 45.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,731, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Waverley was $630, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Waverley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,731, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Waverley features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.3% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households making up 6.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Waverley demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Waverley has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 59.2% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for 20.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.2% and certificates 10.6%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Waverley has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 37 different routes that together facilitate 6,895 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 94 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 57% of residents. Trains are used by 12%, and walking by 11%.

The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.7, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 60.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 985 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 229 weekly trips per individual stop.

Waverley's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Waverley's health data shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions largely matching national benchmarks. Common health conditions are less prevalent here compared to the general population, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at 80% of Waverley's total population (3,529 people), surpassing Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 7.0% of residents, while arthritis impacts 6.4%, with 74.6% declaring no medical ailments, similar to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Waverley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.7% (777 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Waverley 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

Waverley's population shows high linguistic diversity, with 18.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 38.5% of residents contribute to cultural richness. Christianity is the dominant religion in Waverley, practiced by 45.8%.

Notably, Judaism is significantly overrepresented at 6.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 0.8%. Ancestral ties reflect this diversity: English (26.4%) and Australian (17.3%) are the top parental birth countries, both higher than regional averages of 19.0% and 6.1% respectively. Irish ancestry is also prominent at 11.8%, surpassing the regional average of 6.1%. Further analysis reveals overrepresentation of French (1.8%), Russian (1.3%), and Hungarian (0.8%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

Waverley's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Waverley is 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 and equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Waverley has a higher percentage of residents aged 85 and above (5.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.3%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 8.4% to 11.4%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 decreased from 17.4% to 16.4%. By 2041, Waverley's age composition is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 92%, reaching 422 from 219. The growth in the 0-4 age group is more modest, with an increase of 3% adding only 6 residents.