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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Wickham (NSW) is estimated at around 1,756. This reflects an increase of 119 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,637 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,726 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 208 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,405 persons per square kilometer, placing Wickham in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wickham's growth rate of 7.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the Rest of NSW (5.9%). Overseas migration 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, 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected. The suburb of Wickham (NSW) is expected to expand by 400 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 27.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wickham recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Wickham has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. So far in FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 3.8 new residents have arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $484,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial development approvals, underscoring Wickham's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wickham records 66.0% more building activity per person. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 359 people per approval, Wickham indicates a mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wickham is projected to grow by 474 residents through to 2041.

Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition may arise as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Hunter Park Precinct, Newcastle Future Transit Corridor, The Store Newcastle, and Bowline. Below is a list of 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 strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.9%. As of September 2025, 1,350 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 87.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census data shows 30.2% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and professional & technical services. Public administration & safety has notable concentration, with levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.5%. There are 1.7 workers per resident, indicating Wickham functions as an employment hub attracting external workers. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9% and labour force by 4.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wickham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 and the average income stands at $79,816. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $71,668 (median) and $86,888 (average). Census 2021 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 37.6% of residents (660 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 29.9% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 20.1% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 54th percentile and 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

In Wickham, as per the latest Census evaluation, 20.8% of dwellings were houses while 79.2% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wickham stood at 18.4%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 25.2% and rented ones making up 56.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,024, significantly higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Wickham was recorded at $470, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Wickham's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above 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 constitute 48.5% of all households, including 9.9% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise 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 Rest of 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 averages. Among residents aged 15+, 40.7% possess university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. University degrees are most prevalent 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.0%, while certificates make up 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, facilitating 2,497 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 120 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to Wickham's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 78%, followed by walking at 9% and cycling at 3%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 30.2% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 356 trips per day, 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

Wickham's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues affect both young and elderly residents similarly.

Private health cover is high at 58% (1,026 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 51.9%. Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 13.5 and 7.5% respectively. 67.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents have a higher chronic health condition prevalence. The area has 11.7% (205 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, matching general population rankings nationally.

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

Wickham's population was found to be less culturally diverse, with 87.5% being citizens, 83.1% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 37.0%. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to 0.9% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (22.5%), and Irish (11.1%). Notably, Scottish (9.5%) and French (0.7%) were also overrepresented, while Russian was slightly higher at 0.4%.

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

Wickham has a median age of 31, which is notably lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 25-34 years old is strongly represented in Wickham at 31.9%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 5-14 age group is less prevalent at 3.1%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, Wickham's median age has decreased by 1 year from 32 to 31, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 25-34 age group has grown from 30.4% to 31.9% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 11.4% to 9.3%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 10.2% to 8.6%. Demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Wickham's age profile by 2041, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 39%, reaching 780 people from its current figure of 560.