West Wollongong

Population growth drivers in West Wollongong are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, West Wollongong's estimated population is around 5,485 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 262 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,223 people in West Wollongong. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 5,415 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,637 persons per square kilometer, placing West Wollongong in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Wollongong's 5.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.4%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in West Wollongong, expected to grow by 1,740 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 30.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in West Wollongong according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in West Wollongong shows around 16 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 81 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling was observed, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has increased to 4.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential supply constraints in the area. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $577,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties by developers.

This year, $9.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of NSW and nationally, West Wollongong has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 45th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New building activity shows 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 370 people per dwelling approval, West Wollongong demonstrates a developed market. Future projections estimate an addition of 1,649 residents by 2041, potentially leading to housing supply lagging behind population growth if current construction levels persist, intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Future projections show West Wollongong adding 1,649 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified four projects potentially impacting the area: Adria Village Figtree, Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy, Kenny Street Mixed-Use Tower, and Wollongong Hospital ED Short Stay Units. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.

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

West Wollongong has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.4%.

Employment stability over the past year is relatively high. As of September 2025, there are 2,841 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 7.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 3.8%, and workforce participation at 61.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Notably, education & training has a 150% concentration compared to the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.2%, labour force also rose by 0.2%, keeping unemployment stable. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. As of 25-Nov-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National forecasts suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Wollongong's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, West Wollongong had a median taxpayer income of $51,236 and an average income of $68,778. This is higher than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $55,776 and average income around $74,872. The 2021 Census data shows West Wollongong's incomes rank modestly, between the 40th and 45th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 30.9% of residents (1,694 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. West Wollongong's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

West Wollongong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.1% houses and 37.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Wollongong was at 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 36.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,123, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. The median weekly rent figure in West Wollongong was $370, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, West Wollongong's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,123 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $370 compared to the national figure of $375.

West Wollongong features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 64.7% of all households, including 30.9% couples with children, 22.1% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for 35.3%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 7.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

West Wollongong has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 years and above. The percentage of residents with university qualifications is 34.2%, which exceeds the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. This significant educational advantage indicates a strong position for the area in relation to knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 21.7% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.1%, and graduate diplomas at 3.4%.

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.6% of residents aged 15 years and above possessing such qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas held by 9.9% of residents and certificates held by 21.7%. Educational participation is particularly high in West Wollongong, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (10.3%), primary education (9.2%), and secondary education (8.1%).

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

The analysis of public transport in West Wollongong indicates that there are 60 active transport stops currently operating, all of which provide bus services. These stops are served by a total of 55 individual bus routes, together facilitating 1,615 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered excellent, with residents typically residing just 109 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 230 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in West Wollongong is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

West Wollongong shows better-than-average health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among its general population and closer to the national average for older, high-risk groups.

Around 54% (~2,969 people) have private health cover, compared to 56.8% in Rest of NSW. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.6 and 7.4% of residents respectively. About 71.3% report having no medical ailments, compared to 68.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.7% (696 people), compared to 17.7% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

West Wollongong has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.6% of its population born overseas and 22.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in West Wollongong, accounting for 52.5% of the population. Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 4.5% compared to the regional average of 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.2%), Australian (22.8%), and Other (12.0%). There are significant differences in certain ethnic groups' representation: Serbian at 2.2% (regional average 0.8%), Macedonian at 2.0% (regional average 1.5%), and Welsh at 0.8% (same as regional average).

West Wollongong's population is younger than the national pattern

West Wollongong has a median age of 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, West Wollongong has an over-representation of the 15-24 cohort at 18.7%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 6.2%. This concentration of the 15-24 age group is well above the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.6% to 16.1% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that West Wollongong's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 537 people (61%) from 883 to 1,421. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort grows by a modest 8% (40 people).