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 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census date, the population of Wickham (NSW) is estimated at around 2,227 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 590 people (36.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,637 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,207 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 206 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,050 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wickham's growth rate of 36.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (5.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected for Wickham. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 419 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 0.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Wickham among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wickham averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 79 homes. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Historically, there has been an average of 3.6 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $484,000. In FY26, there have been $3.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Wickham has 75.0% more building activity per person than the rest of NSW, offering buyers greater choice. New development consists of 23.0% detached houses and 77.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 116 people per approval, Wickham reflects a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wickham is expected to grow by 19 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Hunter Park Precinct, Newcastle Future Transit Corridor, The Store Newcastle, and Bowline.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Wickham places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Wickham's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7%.

As of June 2025, 1,346 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation at 75.2%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and professional & technical services. Public administration & safety is particularly strong, employing 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, with 1.7 workers per resident. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, and labour force grew by 2.9%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment 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 simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Wickham had a median income among taxpayers of $65,835 and an average level of $79,816. These figures were among the highest in Australia compared to Rest of NSW's $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $74,137 (median) and $89,881 (average). From the 2021 Census, individual earnings stood out at the 87th percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,135. However, household income ranked lower at the 59th percentile. The data showed that 37.6% of residents (837 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 29.9% similarly occupied this range. High housing costs consumed 20.1% of income, but strong earnings still placed disposable income at the 54th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure which was 70.5% houses and 29.5% 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 in Wickham was $2,024, exceeding the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,962. Weekly rent figures were recorded at $470 in Wickham, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Wickham's median monthly mortgage repayments surpassed the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially higher than 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% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 51.5%, with lone person households at 38.8% and group households making up 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 high, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor 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 at 12.0% and certificates at 21.1%.

Educational participation is high, 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's public transport analysis indicates ten operational stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by thirteen distinct routes, facilitating 2,499 weekly passenger trips in total. Wickham's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents usually situated 120 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 357 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 249 weekly trips per individual 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 with common conditions similar across age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 58% (1,301 people), higher than Rest of NSW's 55.6%.

Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 13.5% and 7.5%, respectively. Around 67.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has 11.4% (253 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors exceed average levels.

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 below average, with 87.5% of its population being citizens and 83.1% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 90.0%. Christianity dominated Wickham's religious landscape at 37.0%, while Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.4% compared to the Rest of NSW's 1.1%.

In terms of ancestry, English was the most represented group at 30.9%, followed by Australian at 22.5%, which was lower than the regional average of 27.5%, and Irish at 11.1%. Notably, Scottish (9.5% vs 8.4%), French (0.7% vs 0.4%), and Russian (0.4% vs 0.2%) groups were overrepresented in Wickham compared to regional averages.

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

Wickham has a median age of 31, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation in Wickham at 31.5%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 3.3%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population in the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 30.4% to 31.5%. Conversely, the percentage of the population aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 11.4% to 9.5%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 10.2% to 9.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wickham's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 13%, adding 93 people and reaching a total of 795 from the current figure of 701. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.