Whalan

Whalan is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Whalan's estimated population is around 6,434, reflecting an increase of 505 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.5% rise from the previous figure of 5,929. AreaSearch validated this estimate based on resident population data from June 2024 and additional new addresses since the Census date. Whalan's population density stands at 2,647 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth rate of 8.5% exceeded both its SA3 region (5.2%) and the state average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of Whalan's population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 are used, with growth rates applied until 2041. By 2041, Whalan is projected to increase by 951 persons, reflecting a total gain of 12.3% over the 17 years.

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

Whalan experienced approximately 14 dwelling approvals each year based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 73 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26. Each new dwelling brought about an average of 2.1 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for these dwellings was $312,000. This year, Whalan has seen $7.4 million in commercial approvals. In comparison to Greater Sydney, Whalan's development levels per capita are similar, maintaining market balance with surrounding areas. However, nationally, Whalan's activity is lower, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints.

The building activity consists of 75% detached houses and 25% medium and high-density housing. With around 428 people per dwelling approval, Whalan displays a developed market. By 2041, AreaSearch predicts Whalan will gain approximately 792 residents. Current building activity aligns with growth projections, but increased competition among buyers is expected as the population grows.

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

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include the expansion of the PCYC Mount Druitt Community Facility, the Expanded Mount Druitt PCYC, the First Nations Cultural Hub Mount Druitt, and the Renewed Mount Druitt Swimming Centre. The following list details those likely to be 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 Whalan lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Whalan has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 12.7% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 7.1%. As of September 2025, 2,284 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 39.9% versus Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading industries include retail trade, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance.

Transport, postal & warehousing has notably high concentration, with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 7.1%, labour force by 4.7%, reducing unemployment rate by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney had employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. Statewide in NSW, employment contracted by 0.03% to November 25, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Whalan's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Whalan was $41,656 and average income was $45,906. This is lower than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023, estimated incomes in Whalan would be approximately $45,347 (median) and $49,973 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Whalan fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket in Whalan comprises 27.9% earning between $800 and $1,499 weekly, with 1,795 residents in this bracket. This differs from surrounding regions where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Whalan, with only 78.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

Whalan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Whalan, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.6% of dwellings were houses while 11.4% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Sydney metropolitan areas where 80.7% are houses and 19.4% are other dwellings. Home ownership in Whalan stood at 22.5%, with mortgaged properties at 23.2% and rented ones at 54.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Sydney's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to Sydney's $350. Nationally, Whalan's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Whalan has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 70.9% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 15.6% couples without children, and 25.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 26.6% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 3.1.

Whalan faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.2%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (23.7%). Educational participation is high at 36.0%, with 14.1% in primary education, 11.7% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 11.7% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 47 active transport stops operating in Whalan. These are a mix of buses serving 16 routes, providing 1,429 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 204 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Whalan is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Whalan, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 45% of Whalan's total population (~2906 people) has private health cover, compared to 48.6% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 9.9% of residents) and arthritis (9.2%), while 63.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 71.2% in Greater Sydney.

Whalan has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1035 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 13.1%. Senior health outcomes face some challenges, generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

Whalan 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

Whalan's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most nearby areas, with 31.0% born overseas and 31.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Whalan, accounting for 55.2% of its population. Islam, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 9.3% versus 6.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (22.3%), English (19.1%), and Other (17.0%). Notably, Samoan (5.4%) and Maori (1.9%) were overrepresented while Filipino was underrepresented (4.1% vs 10.3%) compared to regional averages.

Whalan hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Whalan's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and considerably younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Whalan has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 13.8% to 14.9%, while the percentage of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 12.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, Whalan's population is projected to experience significant demographic changes. The cohort aged 75-84 is expected to grow by 69%, adding 243 residents to reach a total of 597. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 61% of the population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 0-4 and 35-44.