West Gosford

West Gosford lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, West Gosford's estimated population is around 2,558, reflecting a significant increase of 956 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,602. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,496 in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 538 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial space per person. West Gosford's population growth rate of 59.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA3 area (2.3%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a notable growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest exceptional growth for West Gosford over the next decades. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 940 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 13.9% over these 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within West Gosford when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows West Gosford had approximately 49 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 248 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options while providing affordable housing opportunities.

The average construction value of new properties was $382,000, below regional norms. In FY-26, $26.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, West Gosford has 610.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 22.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and shifting lifestyles preferences. West Gosford has around 78 people per approval, indicating a developing area. AreaSearch projects West Gosford to add 355 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Future projections show West Gosford adding 355 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

West Gosford has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Amalfi by ALAND, Narara Ecovillage Expansion, M1 Pacific Motorway Kariong to Somersby Widening, and Gosford Cultural Precinct (Gosford Regional Library). The following list details those most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals West Gosford recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

West Gosford has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

As of June 2025981 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lags at 50.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with a particular specialization in health care & social assistance at 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical employment stands at 6.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

There are 4.8 workers per resident, indicating West Gosford functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6% and labour force grew by 2.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.6%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Gosford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, West Gosford had a median income among taxpayers of $44,060 with the average level standing at $56,940. This is lower than national averages which were $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively during that period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.61% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $49,616 (median) and $64,120 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in West Gosford all fall between the 11th and 24th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 29.2% of the population, which consists of 746 individuals, falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in West Gosford, with only 74.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

West Gosford displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

West Gosford's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 22.5% houses and 77.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Gosford was at 22.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.6% and rented ones at 54.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Sydney metro's average of $2,150. Median weekly rent in West Gosford was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, West Gosford's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

West Gosford features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 49.0% of all households, including 12.7% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 51.0%, with lone person households at 44.9% and group households comprising 5.9%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

West Gosford shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area has university qualification rates of 24.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 23.5%. Educational participation is high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 6.9% in primary, 5.4% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

Educational facilities seem to lie outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

West Gosford has 29 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 43 different routes that together facilitate 895 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 156 meters.

Across all routes, there are an average of 127 trips per day, equating to roughly 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across West Gosford. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,265 people), compared to 54.7% across Greater Sydney.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.6% and 10.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 57.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.8% across Greater Sydney. As of 27.7%, West Gosford has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (708 people) than Greater Sydney's 24.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in West Gosford was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

West Gosford had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 25.5% of its population born overseas and 15.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in West Gosford, accounting for 49.3% of people. However, there was an overrepresentation in the Other category, which constituted 1.2% of the population compared to Greater Sydney's 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.0%), Australian (25.3%), and Other (8.0%). Notably, Russian (1.0%) was overrepresented in West Gosford compared to the regional average of 0.4%, as were Welsh (1.0% vs 0.7%) and Korean (0.9% vs 0.3%).

West Gosford hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in West Gosford is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 85 years and above make up 9.6% of the population, a figure notably higher than both Greater Sydney's percentage and the national average of 2.2%. Meanwhile, the proportion of individuals aged between 5 to 14 years is relatively smaller at 6.8%, compared to Greater Sydney. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of West Gosford's population aged between 25 to 34 years has increased from 14.9% to 17.2%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged between 55 to 64 years has decreased from 10.0% to 8.4%, and the proportion of individuals aged between 5 to 14 years has dropped from 8.2% to 6.8%. By the year 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in West Gosford's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 years and above is projected to rise significantly, increasing by 158 people (a growth rate of 65%) from 245 to 404. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above are expected to account for 85% of West Gosford's total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the projections suggest that the populations aged between 25 to 34 years and 0 to 4 years are likely to experience declines.