Wellington (NSW)

Wellington is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Wellington (NSW) SA2's estimated population is around 4,332 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a growth of 236 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,096. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 4,283 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and one additional validated new address since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 272 persons per square kilometer. Wellington's growth rate exceeded SA4 region's 3.0% and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 43.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 base year are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas until 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a population increase just below the median of national regional areas, with an expected expansion of 286 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 5.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Wellington, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Wellington has averaged two dwelling approvals per year over the past five years, totalling 12. This low development activity reflects its rural nature, with housing needs driving development rather than market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Wellington's development levels are substantially lower than those of the Rest of NSW and nationally. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's rural character. As of 2021, there are approximately 4267 people per dwelling approval in Wellington, indicating its low development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wellington is projected to add 232 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect this region. Notable initiatives include Wellington Battery Energy Storage System, Orana Battery Energy Storage System, Wellington Roads To Home Project Nanima Village, and Wellington North Solar Farm. Relevant details are provided below.

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

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Employment conditions in Wellington face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wellington has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area, with an unemployment rate of 6.8% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 1,499 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.0% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wellington lags behind at 43.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety has employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Manufacturing is under-represented in Wellington, with only 2.4% of its workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.5%, while employment declined by 5.2% in Wellington, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows that 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 national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wellington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

In financial year 2023, Wellington suburb had a median taxpayer income of $39,786 and an average income of $45,311. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Rest of NSW respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $43,311 and $49,326 based on an 8.86% growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, Wellington's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.1% of locals (1,347 people) earn $400-$799 weekly, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500-$2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. The concentration of 40.9% in sub-$800 brackets indicates economic challenges faced by a significant portion of Wellington's community. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Wellington is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wellington, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 88.0% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wellington stood at 36.8%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (38.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $936, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,450. Weekly rent in Wellington was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. Nationally, Wellington's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.0% of all households, including 16.4% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 18.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.0%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (31.8%). Educational participation is high, with 32.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.3% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Wellington shows 83 active public transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 22 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 532 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, typically located 164 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 76 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per stop.

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

Wellington faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 45% of the total population (around 1,946 people), compared to 50.1% across the Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.6% and 10.3% of residents respectively, while 57.3% report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% across the Rest of NSW.

In Wellington, 22.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (953 people), higher than the 19.5% in the Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

Wellington is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wellington, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (82.1%), born in Australia (91.5%), and speaking English only at home (94.7%). Christianity was the major religion, with 61.5% of Wellington residents identifying as Christian, compared to 65.6% across Rest of NSW.

Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 28.4%, followed by English (27.2%) and Australian Aboriginals (20.7%), which was higher than the regional average of 11.5%. Notably, Spanish (0.4% vs 0.1%), French (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Maltese (0.3% vs 0.2%) groups were overrepresented in Wellington compared to the region.

Wellington's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wellington's median age is 41 years, lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.9% of Wellington's population, higher than Rest of NSW's percentage. The 35-44 cohort makes up 10.0% of Wellington's population, lower than Rest of NSW's percentage. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group grew from 9.1% to 10.0%. Demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Wellington's age profile by 2041. The 35-44 cohort is projected to grow strongest at 18%, adding 76 residents to reach a total of 510. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 15-24 cohorts.