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 analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of the suburb of Wellington (NSW) is estimated at around 4,280 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 184 people (4.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,096 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,245, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 268 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb's 4.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.4%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 43.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 286 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wellington according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wellington has seen minimal property development activity over the past five years. On average, less than one approval per year was granted, totalling three in total during this period. This low level of development is characteristic of rural areas like Wellington, where housing needs specific to the local community typically drive development rather than broader market demand.

It should be noted that with such a small sample size, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relative statistics. Compared to other regions in NSW and nationally, Wellington has considerably lower levels of property development activity.

Wellington has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely impacting the region: Wellington Battery Energy Storage System, Orana Battery Energy Storage System, Wellington Roads To Home Project at Nanima Village, and Wellington North Solar Farm. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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

Wellington has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate is 6.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there are 1,504 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Wellington is at 43.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction.

Wellington shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Manufacturing has limited presence, with only 2.4% employment compared to the regional average of 5.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, and employment declined by 4.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.2 percentage points in Wellington. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw a 0.1% employment fall, a 0.3% labour force expansion, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wellington's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation 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 on June 30, 2022, Wellington had a median taxpayer income of $39,786 and an average income of $45,311. This is below the national average of $49,459. In Rest of NSW, the median was $49,459 and the average was $62,998. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $44,803 and an average of $51,025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Wellington fall between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment in Wellington comprises 31.1% earning $400-$799 weekly (1,331 residents), differing from the broader area where the $1,500-$2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. With 40.9% in sub-$800 weekly brackets, Wellington faces economic challenges for a significant portion of its 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, 88.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro NSW's breakdown of 88.0% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wellington stood at 36.8%, comparable to Non-Metro NSW. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 25.2%, while rented properties made up 38.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $936, below the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,450 and significantly lower than the national average of $1,863 recorded in August 2021. Weekly rent in Wellington was $230, compared to $280 in Non-Metro NSW and $375 nationally.

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, 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (31.8%).

Educational participation is high, at 32.8%, including 14.3% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education. Wellington's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 899 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 854). The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 21.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.1, indicating that 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

Wellington has 73 active public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 21 different routes operating across these stops, providing a total of 415 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 164 meters to the nearest stop. Each route runs approximately 59 trips per day, resulting in about 5 weekly trips per individual 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, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 45% (around 1,923 people), compared to 49.7% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (10.3%).

Conversely, 57.3% report no medical ailments, lower than the 64.1% in Rest of NSW. Wellington has 22.0% residents aged 65 and over (941 people), higher than the 19.5% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the broader 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.1% of its population being citizens, 91.5% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wellington, accounting for 61.5% of people, compared to 65.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (28.4%), English (27.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (20.7%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 11.5%.

Notably, Spanish (0.4%) and French (0.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Wellington compared to regional averages of 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively, while Maltese is also slightly higher at 0.3% versus 0.2%.

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

Wellington's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group makes up 13.9% of Wellington's population, compared to a higher percentage in the Rest of NSW. The 35-44 cohort is less prevalent in Wellington at 10.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, this age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Wellington's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 35-44 cohort is projected to grow by 19%, adding 82 residents to reach a total of 510 in this age group. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 15-24 cohorts.