Wentworth (NSW)

Wentworth has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Wentworth's population is estimated at around 1,707 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 130 people (8.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,577 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,614 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer. Wentworth's 8.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.9%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to grow by 11 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 4.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wentworth recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 27 homes were approved, with six more approved in FY26 so far. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years, indicating demand significantly outstripping supply and potentially putting upward pressure on prices.

The average expected construction cost of new homes was $629,000, suggesting developers focused on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, $4.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Against Rest of NSW and national averages, Wentworth has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. This lower-than-average activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All new construction comprised detached dwellings, maintaining Wentworth's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 274 people per approval, Wentworth reflects a transitioning market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may ease, creating favourable conditions for buyers in the future.

Wentworth has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 12 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment, Wentworth Civic Centre Redevelopment, Willowbend Caravan Park Redevelopment, and Mildura Base Public Hospital Intensive Care Unit Expansion. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Wentworth faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Wentworth has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 5.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025773 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Wentworth is slightly below the regional average, at 59.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that a moderate 13.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among Wentworth residents include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 6.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 9.7%. Many Wentworth residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.9%, employment fell by 2.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points in Wentworth. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wentworth's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Wentworth suburb was $31,883 during financial year 2023. The average level stood at $38,856. Both figures were below the national average of $52,390 and regional NSW's average of $65,215. By September 2025, these figures are estimated to reach approximately $34,708 (median) and $42,299 (average), based on an 8.86% growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wentworth fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 29.3% of Wentworth's population (500 individuals) earn within the $400-$799 range, contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 40.8% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.0% income retention, Wentworth's total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.

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

In Wentworth, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.9% of dwellings were houses while 11.1% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wentworth stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 24.3% and rented dwellings making up 23%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $878, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent median in Wentworth was $200, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Wentworth's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $878 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.0% of all households, including 15.2% couples with children, 36.5% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.5%). Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wentworth has eight active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by eight unique routes, collectively facilitating 108 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically residing 458 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Wentworth sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 84%, while 13% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 15 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Wentworth faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 42% of Wentworth's total population (around 724 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 11.9% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 10.2%. Conversely, 54.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Wentworth has a higher proportion of seniors, with 34.1% aged 65 and over (582 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the overall population.

The latest Census data sees Wentworth placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wentworth's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.1% of its population being citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Wentworth is Christianity, accounting for 53.1% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Wentworth are Australian (31.6%), English (31.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.3%).

Notably, French ethnicity is overrepresented in Wentworth at 0.5%, compared to 0.4% regionally, as is German at 3.8% versus 3.1% and Maori at 0.5% versus 0.3%.

Wentworth ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wentworth's median age is 55 years, which is considerably higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 18.8% of the population, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 8.2%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present day, the age group of 35 to 44 has grown from 7.4% to 8.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Wentworth's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 39 people (63%) from 63 to 103. This expansion will be driven by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 100% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 25-34 and 0-4.