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 AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, the Wickham (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 1,756 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 119 people from its 2021 Census population of 1,637, indicating a growth rate of 7.3%. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,726 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 206 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,405 persons per square kilometer, placing Wickham (NSW) (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded that of non-metro areas (5.7%) and SA3 areas since the 2021 Census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 37% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Wickham (NSW) (SA2), based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, indicate an above median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041. The area is projected to expand by 392 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 26.4% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Wickham shows an average of around 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 74 homes. So far in FY26, one approval has been recorded. Historically, there have been approximately 3.8 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25.

This indicates 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, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In the current financial year, $3.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wickham records 66.0% more building activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice, although construction activity has recently eased.

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. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Wickham to grow by 463 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition 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 likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Hunter Park Precinct, Newcastle Future Transit Corridor, The Store Newcastle, and Bowline. Below is a list of projects expected 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 representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%. As of that date, 1,349 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wickham was 75.2%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and professional & technical services.

Public administration & safety showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. As of the Census, Wickham had 1.7 workers for every resident, functioning as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels in Wickham increased by 3.8%, while labour force increased by 4.2%. This caused the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 ending June 2023 indicates that Wickham suburb had the highest median income of $65,835 and an average income of $79,816. This is higher than Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025 (approximately two years), the current estimates for Wickham would be approximately $71,668 (median) and $86,888 (average). According to Census 2021 data, individual earnings in Wickham rank at the 87th percentile nationally ($1,135 weekly), while household income ranks at the 59th percentile. Income distribution shows 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. Housing costs consume 20.1% of income in Wickham, but 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 20.8% houses and 79.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW, meanwhile, had 70.5% houses and 29.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wickham was 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, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent figure for Wickham was $470, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. 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 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 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 exceeds broader norms. 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. 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 account for 12.0%, while certificates make up 21.1%.

Educational participation is notably 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 13 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 2,497 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 120 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 356 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 227 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 residents show relatively positive health outcomes with common conditions seen across young and old age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 58%, covering 1026 people. Mental health issues affect 13.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.5%. A total of 67.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has 11.4% seniors aged 65 and over (200 people), lower than the 16.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population metrics.

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 showed low cultural diversity, with 87.5% being citizens and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Most residents were born in Australia (83.1%). Christianity was the dominant religion (37.0%), while Buddhism had a higher representation than average (1.4% vs Rest of NSW's 1.1%).

The top three ancestral 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 8.4%. French ancestry was also higher than average at 0.7% vs 0.4%, as was Russian ancestry at 0.4% vs 0.2%.

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

Wickham has a median age of 31, which is notably younger than Rest of NSW's 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 significantly higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of the population in the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 30.4% to 31.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort 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. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 229 people and reaching a total of 783 from its current figure of 553.