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, the population of the suburb of Wickham (NSW) is estimated at around 1,756 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 119 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,637 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,726 estimated by AreaSearch 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 it 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%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. 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 is projected nationally for non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to expand by 377 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 19.8% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Wickham shows an average of approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. This results in around 3.9 new residents arriving per year per 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, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In this financial year, Wickham has seen $3.6 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wickham records 74.0% 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 in a mature market with around 359 people per approval. Looking ahead, Wickham is expected to grow by approximately 347 residents through to 2041, with new housing supply meeting demand at current development rates, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Looking ahead, Wickham is expected to grow by 347 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Hunter Park Precinct, Newcastle Future Transit Corridor, The Store Newcastle, and Bowline, as detailed below.

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 a highly educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 1%.

As of December 2025, 1,335 residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 86.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. A significant portion, 30.2%, work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and professional & technical services. Public administration & safety has particularly high representation, at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.5%. There are 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating Wickham functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% and labour force increased by 1.9%, 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%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

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 of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,668 (median) and $86,888 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings rank at the 87th percentile nationally ($1,135 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 59th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.6% of residents (660 people). High housing costs consume 20.1% of income, placing 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

Wickham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 20.8% houses and 79.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wickham was at 18.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (56.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wickham was $2,024, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Wickham was $470, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Wickham's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,024 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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

Educational attainment in Wickham is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 40.7% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of New South Wales and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15 and above 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 as of the latest data. 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 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 different routes, collectively facilitating 2,497 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly with residents typically situated 120 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 9% walking and 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

Notably, 30.2% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 356 trips daily across all routes, equating to 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' health data shows positive outcomes, largely aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are standard across both young and old age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at 58% (1,026 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 13.5 and 7.5% respectively. 67.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.1% (212 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, broadly matching national rankings.

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 and 83.1% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 90.0% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 37.0% of Wickham's population.

Buddhism, however, was overrepresented, comprising 1.4% compared to Regional NSW's 0.9%. For ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.9%), Australian (22.5%), and Irish (11.1%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.5%, French at 0.7%, and Russian at 0.4% compared to regional averages of 8.0%, 0.4%, and 0.2% respectively.

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

Wickham has a median age of 31, which is significantly younger than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 32.0% of Wickham's population, higher than Regional NSW but lower than the national average of 14.4%. The 5-14 age cohort is less prevalent in Wickham at 3.4%. Between 2021 and present, Wickham's median age has decreased by 1.1 years from 32 to 31, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 30.4% to 32.0%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 16.2% to 17.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.5% and the 45-54 group dropped from 10.2% to 8.7%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wickham's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 32%, adding 180 people and reaching 742, up from 561 currently. In contrast, the 65-74 cohort shows minimal growth of just 3% (4 people).