Chart Color Schemes
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
Sales Activity
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.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
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, the suburb of West Wollongong's population is estimated at around 5,509 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 286 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,223 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,506, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,648 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Wollongong's 5.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.7%), along with the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,667 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 30.2% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in West Wollongong according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
West Wollongong has seen approximately 17 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 88 homes. As of FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this figure has increased to 4.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential supply constraints in the area. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $577,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment properties.
Commercial development is moderate, with $9.4 million in approvals registered this financial year. Compared to Rest of NSW, West Wollongong has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally, indicating its established nature and potential planning limitations. Building activity shows 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% attached dwellings, demonstrating a trend towards denser development to cater to diverse housing needs. By 2041, West Wollongong is projected to add 1,664 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.
Future projections show West Wollongong adding 1,664 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around West Wollongong
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
West Wollongong has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the area, with key ones being Adria Village Figtree, Wollongong Private Hospital Expansion, Avani Wollongong Hotel and Aspen Mixed-Use Development, and Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy. The following details those 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
Adria Village Figtree
Approved seniors living precinct for the Croatian community in Figtree, adjoining Mary Queen of Croats Church and community hall. The development comprises a residential aged care facility, independent living units, basement and at-grade parking, community uses, landscaping and a village square. The NSW Land and Environment Court upheld the appeal and granted development consent for amended DA-2022/136 on 2 May 2025 after design changes including reduced height, reduced floor space and unit numbers, and stormwater culvert works.
Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy
Finalised in February 2026, this 25-year place-based strategy guides the redevelopment of a 50-hectare precinct west of the Wollongong CBD. It aims to unlock up to 1,000 new homes, including affordable housing for key workers, and support approximately 10,000 new jobs by fostering a world-class healthcare, research, and education hub. The plan includes a $220 million expansion of Wollongong Public Hospital, improved pedestrian and cycle links to Wollongong Station, and the creation of new public spaces.
Wollongong Private Hospital Expansion
A 12-storey western wing expansion of Wollongong Private Hospital, comprising a new 24-hour emergency department, radiation oncology (Basement Level 6), expanded operating theatres, ICU support, additional inpatient beds, a medi-hotel for recovering patients, and a new vehicular access from Urunga Parade. The proposal also includes an Indigenous birthing centre and walk-in health centre operated by the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service (IAMS) within retained heritage buildings at 366 and 368 Crown Street. Five existing Urunga Parade dwellings will be demolished. The project is a State Significant Development (SSD-84096206) currently on public exhibition through the NSW Planning Portal.
Wollongong to Coniston Rail Infrastructure Upgrade
Part of the Rail Service Improvement Program, this project involves upgrading the rail corridor between Wollongong and Coniston. Works include replacing electrical cables and overhead wiring at the Coniston substation, installing new signalling equipment, and completing civil and structural activities to support the new Mariyung fleet. These upgrades facilitate more frequent services on the South Coast Line, targeting 15-minute peak and 30-minute off-peak intervals between Wollongong and Sydney CBD.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a 1,022 square kilometre area of Commonwealth waters in the Pacific Ocean, located at least 20 km offshore between Wombarra and Kiama in New South Wales. It was officially declared by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on 15 June 2024 as Australia's fourth offshore wind zone. The zone has a potential generation capacity of around 2.9 GW, theoretically enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes, and was projected to support an estimated 1,740 construction jobs and 870 ongoing jobs. Due to a sharp drop in water depths off the coast, only floating wind turbine technology is considered viable for the zone. Feasibility licence applications were open from 17 June to 15 August 2024. Initial proponents Oceanex Energy and Equinor opted not to apply, instead focusing on the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone where they were awarded a feasibility licence for the Novocastrian project. Spanish developer BlueFloat Energy became the sole feasibility licence applicant but formally withdrew its application in January 2026, citing global commercial pressures and the wind-down of its Australian operations by parent Quantum Capital. On 23 January 2026, the Federal Government confirmed no feasibility licences would be granted in the Illawarra zone. The zone remains declared and could reopen for feasibility applications if competitive interest returns. In the meantime, the area is open for Research and Demonstration (R&D) licence applications to trial offshore renewable technologies including floating wind, wave and tidal current systems.
Rail Service Improvement Program (Mortdale-Kiama)
The Rail Service Improvement Program (formerly More Trains, More Services) is a multi-billion-dollar NSW Government initiative to modernize the rail network for the Mariyung fleet. The Mortdale to Kiama package involves infrastructure upgrades including the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (active maintenance and shunting works in February 2026), platform extensions at Kiama (completed), and ongoing signaling, power supply, and station improvements at Thirroul and Shellharbour Junction to enable increased service frequency on the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines.
More Trains More Services Stage Two - Mortdale to Kiama Capital Works
A comprehensive rail infrastructure package delivered to enable the rollout of the Mariyung intercity fleet. Works included major upgrades to the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (including a new bogie exchange system), platform extensions at Kiama and other stations, and the construction of new stabling yards at Waterfall and Kiama. As of April 2026, the project has reached operational completion with the Mariyung fleet officially entering service on the South Coast Line.
Avani Wollongong Hotel and Aspen Mixed-Use Development
Approved 18-storey mixed-use development at 22-30 Kenny Street, anchored by the planned Avani Wollongong Hotel and residential apartments above. The approved scheme includes 107 hotel suites, 105 apartments, ground-floor food, drink and commercial uses, basement parking, communal open space, a gym and pool. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2027. A later proposal to increase hotel rooms and add six levels was lodged, with the NSW Planning Portal showing the SSD alterations application as withdrawn.
Employment
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. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.6%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.
In comparison to Regional NSW's unemployment rate of 3.9%, West Wollongong's rate is 1.7% higher. The workforce participation rate in West Wollongong is 66.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 33.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food sectors.
Notably, employment in education & training is at 1.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.1% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 0.2%, while labour force increased by 0.3%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Wollongong's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows West Wollongong had a median income among taxpayers of $51,236 and an average level of $68,778. This is slightly above the national average, compared to regional NSW levels of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. As of March 2026, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% would be approximately $56,524 (median) and $75,876 (average). The 2021 Census reports household, family, and personal incomes in West Wollongong rank modestly, between the 40th and 45th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 30.9% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the regional bracket occupancy of 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in West Wollongong, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
West Wollongong displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In West Wollongong, as per the latest Census, 63.1% of dwellings were houses while 37.0% comprised semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Wollongong stood at 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 36.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,123, exceeding Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in West Wollongong was $370, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, West Wollongong's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
West Wollongong features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 64.7 percent of all households, including 30.9 percent that are couples with children, 22.1 percent consisting of couples without children, and 10.8 percent being single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.3 percent, with lone person households comprising 27.4 percent and group households making up 7.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
West Wollongong shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
In West Wollongong, a significant proportion of residents aged 15 and above have achieved high levels of educational attainment. Specifically, 34.2% hold university qualifications, which is higher than the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is evident across various qualification types: bachelor degrees are held by 21.7%, postgraduate qualifications by 9.1%, and graduate diplomas by 3.4%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.6% of residents having completed such courses, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (21.7%).
Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in tertiary education, 9.2% in primary education, and 8.1% pursuing secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
West Wollongong has 60 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by 55 different routes, offering a total of 1,615 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents living an average of 109 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.
In 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, 33% of residents work from home. Service frequency across all routes averages 230 trips per day, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
West Wollongong's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
West Wollongong residents show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions. The area's results align with national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.
Private health cover is high at approximately 54% (2,982 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. Mental health issues impact 8.6%, while asthma affects 7.4%. 71.3% declare themselves clear of medical ailments, higher than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 13.0% (716 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 25.6% of its residents born overseas and 22.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in West Wollongong, accounting for 52.5% of people. However, Islam was notably overrepresented compared to Regional NSW, comprising 4.5% versus 0.8%.
In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (23.2%), Australian (22.8%), and Other (12.0%). These figures were lower than regional averages except for 'Other', which was substantially higher. Certain ethnic groups showed notable differences: Serbian (2.2% vs 0.2%), Macedonian (2.0% vs 0.4%), and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.5%) were more prevalent in West Wollongong compared to Regional NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
West Wollongong's population is younger than the national pattern
West Wollongong has a median age of 34, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38 years. The 15-24 age group is notably over-represented in West Wollongong at 18.9%, compared to the Regional NSW average, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 6.5%. This concentration of young residents is higher than the national figure of 12.7%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1 year to 34. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.6% to 17.3%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 17.8% to 18.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 10.2% to 8.4%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 12.3% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for West Wollongong. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 54% (517 people), reaching 1,471 from 953. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 7% (30 people).