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, Werris Creek's population is estimated at around 1,580 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 102 people (6.9%) 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 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.9 persons per square kilometer. Werris Creek's 6.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.6%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Werris Creek statistical area (Lv2)'s population expected to reduce by 57 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 grow 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 seen limited development activity over the past five years, with an average of 3 approvals per year totalling 18. This reflects its rural nature where development is driven by local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably due to low approval numbers.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Werris Creek shows significantly less construction activity. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, reflecting the area's rural character with larger properties being typical. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 752 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population expected, housing pressure in Werris Creek should remain relatively low, potentially creating 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The impact of local infrastructure changes on an area's performance is significant. AreaSearch has identified one major project that will likely 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. The following list details 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.

The labour market performance in Werris Creek lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Werris Creek's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with varied sector representation. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 5.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

At this time, 581 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 43.8% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include transport, postal & warehousing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Werris Creek has a particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 4.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 12.5% of Werris Creek's workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by a lower count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% and employment declined by 2.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points in Werris Creek. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Werris Creek. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Werris Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, assuming no changes in 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 reports Werris Creek's median taxpayer income as $35,849 and average as $42,544. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW has a median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Werris Creek would be approximately $39,025 and $46,313 respectively, based on an 8.86% growth since financial year 2023. As per the 2021 Census, incomes in Werris Creek fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $400 - $799 income bracket dominates with 32.1% of residents (507 people), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Economic pressures are evident, with 41.6% of households having modest weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.6% income retention, total 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

Werris Creek's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 97.5% houses and 2.5% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro NSW had 89.5% houses and 10.4% others. Home ownership in Werris Creek was 49.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.2% and rented ones at 25.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $906, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,500. Median weekly rent in Werris Creek was $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Werris Creek's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $906 versus 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 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 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 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 prominent, 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, including 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 stops are served by 16 different routes, collectively providing 492 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating 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, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 44% (around 692 people), compared to 49.8% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and asthma (9.9%).

About 54.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 63.4% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 29.8% (around 470 people), compared to 19.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, generally aligning with the overall 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's cultural diversity is below average, with 91.5% Australian citizens, 95.7% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 65.4%, compared to 63.6% in Rest of NSW. Top ancestral groups are Australian (32.4%), English (30.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (14.2%).

Irish ethnicity is notably higher at 8.6% versus 8.0% regionally, while Welsh 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 Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and also above the national average of 38. The percentage of people aged 65-74 in Werris Creek is 16.1%, compared to Rest of NSW, and this is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the percentage of people aged 35-44 in Werris Creek is 9.7%, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure. According to the Census conducted on 28 August 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+ is projected to increase by 21 (46%), from 47 to 69. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for all total population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age cohorts of 0-4 and 25-34.