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, the suburb of Werris Creek's population is estimated at around 1,589 as of Feb 2026. 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. Werris Creek'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 suburb 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 with 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years (totalling 18). These low development levels reflect its rural nature, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note that the small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Werris Creek shows less construction activity than Rest of NSW and national patterns. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, focusing on family homes suited to those seeking rural lifestyle and space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 752 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in Werris Creek, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Werris Creek should see 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 expected to affect the region. Key projects include the Quipolly Water Project, New England Highway safety upgrade from Willow Tree to Uralla, Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Transmission Project, and Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements.

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.

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

Werris Creek's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.3%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025584 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.5% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Werris Creek lags behind Rest of NSW at 47.2%, compared to 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 12.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. 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.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has a lower representation of 12.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Werris Creek's labour force decreased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 1.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decrease of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 indicates that Werris Creek had a median income of $35,849 and an average income of $42,544. These figures are below the national averages. The Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $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). The 2021 Census shows that incomes in Werris Creek fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. In income distribution, the $400 - $799 bracket is dominant with 32.1% of residents (510 people), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Economic circumstances indicate financial pressure, with 41.6% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs, retaining 88.6% of income, disposable income ranks at 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 evaluation, 97.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Werris Creek was 49.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.2% and rented ones at 25.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $906, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Werris Creek's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $906 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while median weekly 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 38.1%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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 discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 5.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (5.0%) and certificates (31.0%).

A substantial 23.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Werris Creek has 65 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 16 individual routes providing a total of 492 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 85%, while 10% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 7 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 as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Only 44% (~696 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and asthma (9.9%). Conversely, 54.7% report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents have notably high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.4% (483 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 23.4%. 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 showed lower cultural diversity with 91.5% citizens, 95.7% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 65.4%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Top ancestry groups were Australian (32.4%), English (30.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.2%), higher than regional averages of 78.8%, 23.9%, and 4.6% respectively.

Irish representation was notably high at 8.6% compared to 8.8% regionally, while Welsh stood at 0.4% versus 0.5%.

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 also above the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group constitutes 16.5% of Werris Creek's population, compared to 12.9% in the Rest of NSW and 9.5% nationally. Conversely, the 35 - 44 cohort makes up 9.8% of Werris Creek's population, lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 16.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 9.9% to 10.9%, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.7% to 9.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.3%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Werris Creek's age profile by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 20 people (43%), from 47 to 68. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of Werris Creek's population growth, reflecting its aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 25 to 34 cohorts.