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, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Werris Creek is around 1,514. This reflects an increase of 36 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,478. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 1,491 as of June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.6 persons per square kilometer. Werris Creek's 2.4% growth since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 56 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 22 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 averaged one development approval per year over the past five years, totalling six. This low level of activity reflects its rural nature, with development primarily driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. It is important to note that yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably due to the small number of approvals.

Werris Creek has significantly less construction activity compared to Rest of NSW and its development levels are also below national averages. Recent development in the area has been exclusively standalone homes, reflecting its rural character where larger properties and space are typical. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 3006 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Werris Creek may experience reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Werris Creek should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for 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 projects, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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.

Werris Creek shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Werris Creek has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.5% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6% over the past year.

There are 598 residents in work, which is 0.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lags at 43.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include transport, postal & warehousing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing is notably concentrated, 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 Rest of NSW. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, while labour force increased by 2.1%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW recorded employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Werris Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

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 2022 shows Werris Creek had a median income among taxpayers of $35,849 and an average of $42,544. These figures are below the national averages. The Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $40,370 (median) and $47,909 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Werris Creek all fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the $400 - $799 bracket dominates with 32.1% of residents (485 people), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 41.6% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. While housing costs are relatively low with 88.6% of income retained, the 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 2.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 89.5% houses and 10.4% 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, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. Median weekly rent in Werris Creek was $220, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Werris Creek's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $906 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 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 account for 38.1%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of 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 challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common (5.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, 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. Werris Creek Public School serves the local community with an enrollment of 64 students. The school's ICSEA score is 840, indicating varied educational conditions. It caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited (4.2 places per 100 residents vs 16.4 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis shows that there are currently 62 active public transport stops in Werris Creek. These stops offer a combination of train and bus services, with a total of 16 different routes operating. Together, these routes facilitate 581 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is deemed excellent, with residents on average located just 149 meters away from their nearest stop. On an average day, there are 83 trips across all routes, which works out to approximately nine weekly trips per individual 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 44% (~664 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.0% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and asthma (9.9%), while 54.7% report no medical ailments, lower than the 63.4% in Rest of NSW.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 29.9% (452 people), higher than the 19.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

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 has a lower cultural diversity, with 91.5% citizens, 95.7% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 65.4%, compared to 63.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.4%), English (30.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.2%).

Irish ethnicity is notably higher at 8.6% versus the regional average of 8.0%. Welsh ethnicity stands at 0.4%, slightly above the regional average of 0.3%.

Werris Creek ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Werris Creek has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and above the national average of 38. The percentage of people aged 65-74 in Werris Creek is 16.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, and this is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the percentage of people aged 35-44 in Werris Creek is 9.7%, lower than both the Rest of NSW figure and the national average. According to the Census conducted on August 10th, 2021, the percentage of people aged 75-84 has increased from 9.9% to 10.7%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 5-14 has decreased from 11.7% to 10.1%, and the percentage of people aged 45-54 has dropped from 11.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Werris Creek's age profile. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 21 (a 45% rise) from 46 to 68. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age cohorts of 0-4 and 35-44.