Werris Creek

Werris Creek has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Werris Creek's population is estimated at around 1,589. This reflects an increase of 111 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,478 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,552, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7.0 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 7.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%), along with the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to decline by 64 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 23 people.

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

Werris Creek has had minimal residential development activity in recent years. Between 2017 and 2021, there were a total of 16 dwelling approvals, with an average of 3 approvals annually. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically specific to local requirements rather than broad market demand.

The small sample size means that individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics. Compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns, Werris Creek has shown significantly less construction activity. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, with a focus on family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyle and space. As of 2021, the estimated population per dwelling approval is 753 people.

Population projections indicate stability or decline in the area, which should lead to reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Werris Creek has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Quipolly Water Project, New England Highway - Willow Tree to Uralla Safety Upgrade, Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Transmission Project, and Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements are key initiatives, with the following projects being most relevant.

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

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

Werris Creek has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. The unemployment rate in the area is 6.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 577 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 8.1%, which is 4.2 percentage points higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

The workforce participation rate in Werris Creek is significantly lower at 46.3% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 12.6% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents include transport, postal & warehousing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Werris Creek has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing with employment levels at 4.1 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 12.5% of Werris Creek's workforce compared to 16.9% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population counts. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas for the year ending December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.9% while employment declined by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand within Werris Creek. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Werris Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years. It is important to note that these figures are based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and do not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Werris Creek's median income among taxpayers is $35,849. The average income in the suburb is $42,544. Both figures are below the national average. In Regional NSW, the median income is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $39,025 (median) and $46,313 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Werris Creek all fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 32.1% of residents (510 people) earn between $400 - 799, contrasting with the broader area where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Economic circumstances indicate financial pressure, with 41.6% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.6% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Werris Creek, as per the latest Census, 97.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Werris Creek stood at 49.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.2% and rented ones at 25.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $906, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent median in Werris Creek was $220, significantly below Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Werris Creek's mortgage repayments were lower at $906 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $220 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 61.9% of all households, including 17.3% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.1%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 5.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (5.0%) and certificates (31.0%).

A notable 23.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.7% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 65 active stops in Werris Creek served by a mix of trains and buses. These are covered by 16 routes offering 492 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport access, averaging 149 meters to the nearest stop. Most commute outward from this residential area. Cars dominate at 85%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

In 2021 Census data, reflecting possible COVID-19 impacts, 12.6% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averaged 70 trips daily across all routes, or about 7 weekly trips per stop.

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

Werris Creek 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 44% of the total population (around 696 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 12.6% of residents, and asthma, impacting 9.9%. Conversely, 54.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 30.7% (487 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

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

Werris Creek's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.5% of its population being citizens, 95.7% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 65.4%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.4%), English (30.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.2%), which was substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

There were notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Irish was overrepresented at 8.6% versus 8.8% regionally, while Welsh stood at 0.4% compared to 0.5%.

Werris Creek ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Werris Creek has a median age of 50, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and also above the national average of 38. The age group of 65-74 years old makes up 16.5% of Werris Creek's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 5-14 age group comprises 9.9%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 9.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 11.0% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Werris Creek's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 20 people (42%), from 49 to 70. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 89% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.