Wilberforce (NSW)

Wilberforce is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wilberforce (NSW) is around 2,957. This figure remains unchanged from the 2021 Census, which also reported a population of 2,957 people. The resident population estimate of 2,948 by AreaSearch in Jun 2024, along with three validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this estimation. This results in a density ratio of 92 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Wilberforce's 0.0% growth since the census places it within 1.1 percentage points of its SA3 area (1.1%), reflecting competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 276 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 9.0% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Wilberforce is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Wilberforce has recorded approximately two residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending 30 June 2021. This totals an estimated eleven homes. As of 30 September 2026, one approval has been recorded in this financial year. The population has declined over recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $787,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In this financial year, $629,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly for residential development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Wilberforce shows significantly reduced construction activity, at 64.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's low density nature is preserved with recent building activity consisting entirely of standalone homes, attracting space-seeking buyers.

As of 2021, there are an estimated 1986 people in Wilberforce per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate the area will gain 267 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wilberforce has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting the area: Pitt Town Bypass and Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Management. Other notable projects include Multiple Residential Subdivisions Box Hill and Box Hill Industrial Precinct. The following list details those most relevant: - Pitt Town Bypass, planned completion by 2025. - Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Management, started in 2016 with an expected completion date of 2030. - Multiple Residential Subdivisions Box Hill, commenced in 2018 and scheduled for completion by 2024. - Box Hill Industrial Precinct, initiated in 2017 with plans to finish by 2026.

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

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Employment performance in Wilberforce has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Wilberforce has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate was 5.5%.

This rate was higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, but workforce participation was similar at 70.2%. In Wilberforce, 1,631 residents were employed in December 2025. A high proportion, 29.3% of residents, worked from home according to Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are construction, education & training, and retail trade.

Wilberforce has a strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 2.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.4% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% in Wilberforce, with a 2.2% decline in employment leading to an increase of 1.4 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wilberforce. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years, it is projected to increase by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Wilberforce's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Wilberforce is $54,758, with an average of $69,913, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,610 (median) and $76,107 (average). Census 2021 data shows Wilberforce's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 69th and 81st percentiles. In Wilberforce, 31.9% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 30.9%. Economic strength is evident through 35.2% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income, and residents rank within the 82nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Wilberforce is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Wilberforce's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wilberforce stood at 36.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.3% and rented ones at 17.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,364, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in Wilberforce was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Wilberforce's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,364 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $410 compared to the national figure of $375.

Wilberforce features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.9% of all households, including 42.2% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 16.9% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Wilberforce shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 40.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (32.8%). Educational participation is high, with 28.9% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.5%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (3.0%).

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

Wilberforce has 44 active public transport stops, all bus services. These are covered by 24 routes offering 191 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 175 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this predominantly residential area, with cars being the primary mode at 94%. On average, there are 2.3 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. As of the 2021 Census, a significant 29.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 27 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wilberforce's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Wilberforce. AreaSearch's assessment reveals low mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions in both young and old age groups.

Approximately 55% (~1,613 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.6%) and mental health issues (7.2%). Around 72.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Wilberforce has 18.7% (552 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors rank favourably against the national average.

Wilberforce is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wilberforce had a cultural diversity below average, with 89.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.7% being citizens, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, accounting for 65.1%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 49.2%. In terms of ancestry, Australians were the highest at 31.8%, followed by English at 30.7%, and Irish at 7.7%.

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 5.5% (regional: 1.0%), Lebanese at 0.4% (regional: 2.6%), and Serbian at 0.3% (regional: 0.5%).

Wilberforce's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Wilberforce is 39 years, higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is close to the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort makes up 13.7% of Wilberforce's population, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 age group comprises only 10.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.0% to 5.8%, and the 65-74 cohort has increased from 9.6% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.7%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Wilberforce, with the 85+ age group expected to grow by 169% (from 62 to 167 people). Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 87% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.