Wickham (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Wickham's population is estimated at around 2,008 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 371 people (22.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,637 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,007 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 209 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,750 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wickham's 22.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (4.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, as 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the suburb of Wickham (NSW) expected to expand by 400 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 19.9% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Wickham when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wickham averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, totalling an estimated 74 homes. So far in FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 4.3 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed. Given the focus on premium properties with average construction values of $484,000, Wickham has seen increased buyer competition and price growth due to demand exceeding supply.

Additionally, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a primarily residential area. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wickham records 64.0% more building activity per person. Recent construction comprises 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% medium and high-density housing, creating affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 343 people per approval, Wickham reflects a transitioning market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Wickham to grow by 399 residents through to 2041, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Looking ahead, Wickham is expected to grow by 399 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 24 such projects that could impact the area. Notable among these are Hunter Park Precinct, The Store Newcastle, Bowline, and Bishopsgates. The following list details those 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 conditions in Wickham demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Wickham has an educated workforce, with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of December 2025, 1,438 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was 79.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses showed that 30.2% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and professional & technical services. Public administration & safety had notably high representation, at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation, at 0.5% versus the regional average of 5.3%. There were 1.7 workers per resident as of the Census. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, and labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wickham's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Wickham suburb has one of the highest incomes in Australia. The median income is $65,835 while the average income stands at $79,816. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures where the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $72,629 (median) and $88,053 (average). Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings rank at the 87th percentile nationally ($1,135 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 59th percentile. Income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.6% of residents (755 people). High housing costs consume 20.1% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 54th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Wickham features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Wickham's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 20.8% houses and 79.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wickham stood at 18.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented ones at 56.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,024, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Wickham was $470, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Wickham's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,024 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $470 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 48.5% of all households, including 9.9% that are couples with children, 30.2% that are couples without children, and 7.1% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 51.5%, with lone person households at 38.8% and group households comprising 12.8%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Wickham demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Wickham's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 40.7% have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 21.1%.

Educational participation is high in Wickham, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.8% in tertiary education, 3.5% in primary education, and 1.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Wickham has 11 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 routes, collectively providing 2,497 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 120 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward daily. Car use dominates at 78%, while walking and cycling account for 9% and 3% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

In 2021 Census data, 30.2% of residents worked from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 356 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 227 weekly trips per stop.

Wickham'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

Health data for Wickham shows positive outcomes relative to national benchmarks. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely comparable, with common health issues seen across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 58% of residents (1,173 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. Mental health issues affect 13.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.5%. A total of 67.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (283 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Wickham ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wickham's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.5% of its population being citizens, 83.1% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wickham, comprising 37.0% of the population. Buddhism was overrepresented compared to Regional NSW, with 1.4% of Wickham's population identifying as such, versus 0.9% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (22.5%), and Irish (11.1%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.5%, compared to the regional average of 8.0%. French ancestry was also overrepresented at 0.7% versus 0.4%, as was Russian ancestry at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Wickham hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Wickham is 32, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Wickham has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 30.6%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 3.7%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.6%. Since the Census of 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.2% to 13.6%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.2% to 8.9%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. By the year 2041, Wickham is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 30%, adding 183 people and reaching a total of 798 from 614. The 5 to 14 year-old group shows more modest growth at 8%, with an increase of only 5 residents.