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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Werris Creek is $356k. House values have moved 7.8% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Werris Creek has an estimated 1,589 residents, up from 1,478 at the 2021 Census — a change of 111 people, or 7.5%. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Werris Creek
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 39 current infrastructure and development projects close to Werris Creek, worth an estimated $2.3 billion. 14 are already under construction and 21 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
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.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Quirindi Aquatic Centre
New public aquatic centre replacing the historic Quirindi Pool. The facility includes a 50 metre six lane pool, accessible ramp access, splash pad, wading pool, BBQ facilities, dry play area, landscaped grounds and accessible amenities. The centre officially opened in November 2025 and is now operating for the public.
Southern Gateway Activation Precinct
Structure plan for the Southern Gateway Activation Precinct (Precinct 1) on Tamworth's southern fringe. The plan provides a high-level 20-year framework for diverse housing development, from large residential lots to standard urban lots, to accommodate population growth. The precinct surrounds the existing Kingswood estate. The structure plans were endorsed by Council in April 2026 and by the NSW Department of Planning in May 2026, though some areas require further technical studies and planning amendments.
Majestic Tamworth
A lifestyle community development featuring 98 premium villas with resort-style facilities, designed for over-50s living, adjoining the Longyard Golf Course.
Hillvue Public Preschool
A new public preschool is being delivered at Hillvue Public School as part of the NSW Government's $769 million program to build 100 new public preschools co-located with primary schools across NSW. The facility will include two preschool rooms, an outdoor play area, an administration area, amenities, a staff kitchen and storage, catering for up to 40 children per day with a play-based educational program delivered by qualified educators. Construction is underway with the building structure now complete; services fit-off and external landscaping works are in progress, with the preschool targeted to open in time for Day 1, Term 1 2027, pending regulatory service approval.
Arcadia Estate
A significant residential development in Tamworth, identified as a major site for housing the region's growing population. The project aims to provide a mix of housing types, including medium-density options. Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in Tamworth's newest community. Just moments from the heart of town, enjoy the convenience of local amenities while embracing the serenity of country living.
Transgrid Tamworth Depot Maintenance and Workshop Buildings
Demolition of existing structures and construction of new maintenance and workshop buildings at the Transgrid Tamworth depot. The upgrade provides modernized facilities to support regional high-voltage electricity transmission network operations.
Redbank Estate (Calala)
Masterplanned residential subdivision in Calala, Tamworth, delivering around 250 low-density lots with 1.8 ha of central parkland, footpaths, and local amenities. No dual occupancy or two-storey homes allowed to preserve views. Current activity includes ongoing land sales and subdivision for Stage 10.
Goonoo Goonoo Commercial Precinct
A 52-hectare (130-acre) major retail and light industrial precinct at the southern gateway to Tamworth, located 4 km south of the CBD and fronting the New England Highway. The precinct is the last remaining E3-zoned land within Tamworth's Longyard large format retail district, currently subdivided into 41 lots across four stages. The development will be anchored by a full-line Woolworths supermarket as part of a neighbourhood retail centre incorporating a chemist, GP, newsagent and bakery.Bulk earthworks across the entire site are complete and civil works (roads, sewerage and associated infrastructure) are progressing. Most lots in stages one and two are reportedly sold, with stage two (across from the AELEC on Jack Smyth Drive) ready to build first. Practical completion of stages one and two is targeted for mid-2026, with construction on individual lots commencing from registration in early 2026. The total investment is estimated at around 400 million dollars.
577 residents of Werris Creek are employed, from a labour force of 614. Unemployment sits at 6.0%, with participation at 46.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,368, about 86% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Werris Creek is $941 a week (about $49,000 a year), with median personal income at $498 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $35,849 a year against an average of $42,544. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Werris Creek had 619 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 2% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 26% rented and 50% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $220 a week and the median mortgage repayment $906 a month. Rent absorbs 23.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Werris Creek counted 619 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 665 today, averaging 2.2 people each. 17% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 35% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
7.7% of adults in Werris Creek hold a university qualification, including 5.4% with a bachelor degree and 1.7% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 31.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 64 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 840 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Werris Creek reaches 65 stops on 16 routes, timetabled for about 490 services a week. The typical home sits about 150 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
54.7% of residents in Werris Creek report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 94% of areas nationally. 10.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 43.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Werris Creek is largely Australian-born, at 95.7% of residents, with 2.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.4%) and English (30.0%). 14.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
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%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Werris Creek is 50, older than 91% of areas nationally. 19.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Werris Creek
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2024 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2024 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 3 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Feb 2026, not a 2021 count (1,472 at the 2021 Census → 1,589 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Feb 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL14255). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.