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, Wentworth's population is estimated at around 1,666 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 89 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,577 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,635 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 48 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 5.6% growth since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 area (4.7%) 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 10 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 1.3% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wentworth recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), around 27 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.3 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

Developers focus on the premium market, with new homes averaging $629,000 in construction cost value. Commercial approvals totalled $4.2 million this financial year, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wentworth has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 57th percentile nationally. This activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All new construction consists of detached dwellings, maintaining Wentworth's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 268 people per approval, Wentworth is a low-density area. Stable or declining population forecasts may reduce housing pressure in Wentworth, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified a total of 12 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include 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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Employment conditions in Wentworth face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wentworth's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services. Its unemployment rate was 5.8% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there were 753 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% higher than Regional NSW's 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Wentworth was lower at 56.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 13.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food services. Wentworth has a notably high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 2.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employs only 6.2% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 9.7%. Many residents commute outside Wentworth for work, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to local population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Wentworth's labour force decreased by 2.7%, and employment fell by 3.7%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment contracted less at 1.2%, and unemployment rose by only 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wentworth's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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

Wentworth's median income among taxpayers was $31,883 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $38,856 during the same period. These figures are below those of Regional NSW, which had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By March 2026, estimates suggest Wentworth's median income will be approximately $35,173 and the average will be around $42,866, based on a 10.32% growth in wages 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. The income analysis reveals that the $400 - $799 bracket dominates in Wentworth, with 29.3% of residents (488 people). This contrasts with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. The concentration of 40.8% of residents in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of Wentworth's community. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.0% income retention, the 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

Wentworth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wentworth stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.3% and rented ones at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $878, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure 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 at $200.

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

Family households comprise 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 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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 - advanced diplomas account for 10.0% and certificates for 30.5%. Educational participation is high at 27.6%, comprising 9.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 108 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 458 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 13% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, some 13.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 15 trips per day 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. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 42% of the total population (around 706 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.9% and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 54.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Wentworth has a higher proportion of seniors, with 34.6% of residents aged 65 and over (576 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. While national rankings for senior health outcomes are broadly similar to the general population, some challenges exist.

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, comprising 53.1% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.6%), English (31.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.3%).

Notably, French ethnicity is overrepresented at 0.5%, compared to 0.4% regionally, as are German (3.8% vs 3.1%) and Maori (0.5% vs 0.3%).

Wentworth ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wentworth's median age is 55 years, which is higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 18.9%, while the 15-24 group is smaller at 8.3%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.4%. From 2021 to present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.7%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Wentworth's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 66% from 64 to 108 people. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 87% of the population growth. Conversely, populations in the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to decline.