West Wollongong

Population growth drivers in West Wollongong are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, West Wollongong's population is estimated at around 5,462, reflecting a 4.6% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,223 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,452 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density ratio is 2,626 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Wollongong's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.0%), making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in West Wollongong, with an expected rise of 1,739 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 30.6% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, West Wollongong averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 99 homes. As of FY26, four approvals have been recorded. Historically, each new dwelling has resulted in around 1.5 new residents per year on average between FY21 and FY25. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with an average construction value of $575,000, reflecting quality-focused development.

In FY26, West Wollongong has registered $2.9 million in commercial approvals, indicative of its primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NSW, West Wollongong has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally. Recent construction trends show 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current 63.0% houses. This low density market has approximately 307 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, West Wollongong is projected to grow by 1,671 residents.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

West Wollongong has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects that could impact the region: Adria Village Figtree, Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy, Kenny Street Mixed-Use Tower, and Wollongong Hospital ED Short Stay Units. These are key projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in West Wollongong has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

West Wollongong has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%.

As of June 2025, 2,802 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was at 61.4%, comparable to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food, with a notable concentration in education & training at 1.5 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.1% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 0.5%, labour force also increased by 0.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Wollongong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in West Wollongong was $51,341 and average was $68,899 based on latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. These figures exceed Rest of NSW's respective averages of $49,459 and $62,998. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since FY2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $57,815 (median) and $77,587 (average). West Wollongong's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 40th and 45th percentiles in the 2021 Census. Income analysis shows 30.9% of residents earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually, similar to regional averages. Housing affordability is 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

The dwelling structure in West Wollongong, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 63.1% houses and 37.0% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's composition of 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Wollongong was recorded at 31.0%, with mortgaged properties at 32.3% and rented ones at 36.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,123, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. The median weekly rent figure for 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households making up 7.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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

Educational attainment in West Wollongong is notably high, with 34.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 21.7%.

Educational participation is high, 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. West Wollongong's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,905 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1075. The educational mix includes three primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. West Wollongong functions as an education hub with 52.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.9. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 58 active transport stops operating within West Wollongong. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 55 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 1,570 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 110 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 224 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 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 with fewer common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages, even for older and at-risk groups. Around 54% (~2,958 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 56.6%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.6% and 7.4% of residents respectively. About 71.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.6% (688 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 17.7%. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they require more attention than the broader population.

West Wollongong was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

West Wollongong had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 25.6% of its population born overseas and 22.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in West Wollongong, making up 52.5% of the population. However, Islam showed significant overrepresentation at 4.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.2%), Australian (22.8%), and Other (12.0%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Serbian was overrepresented at 2.2% (vs regional 0.8%), Macedonian at 2.0% (vs 1.5%), and Welsh at 0.8% (vs also 0.8%).

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 18.8%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 6.2%. This concentration of the 15-24 age group is higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.6% to 16.1% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests West Wollongong's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 535 people (61%), from 879 to 1,415. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 40 people, an increase of 8%.