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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wilberforce (NSW) is around 2,967 people. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 2,957 people, indicating a growth of 10 individuals or approximately 0.3%. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ABS ERP data released in June 2025 and validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this increase. This population density translates to about 92 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space for further development. Comparatively, Wilberforce's growth rate of 0.3% since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 1.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 72.0% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Wilberforce, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year and NSW State Government SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, suggest a future population increase. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by approximately 273 persons, reflecting an overall increase of around 9.2% over the 16-year period. This projected growth places Wilberforce slightly below the median statistical area across the nation in terms of population increase.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Wilberforce has experienced around 2 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past 5 financial years ending June 30, totalling an estimated 11 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), 1 approval has been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $787,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $629,000 have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in Wilberforce compared to Greater Sydney, where development activity is 64.0% higher per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, Wilberforce's development level is below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1966 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Wilberforce is expected to grow by 273 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to impact the region: Pitt Town Bypass, Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Management, Box Hill Release Area, and Multiple Residential Subdivisions Box Hill. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Wilberforce shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Wilberforce's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with construction being notably prominent. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, Wilberforce has 1,622 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 5.9% (1.4% above Greater Sydney's 4.2%), and workforce participation similar to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

Census responses indicate that 29.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include construction, education & training, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, employing 2.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 4.4% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the Census working population versus resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Wilberforce's labour force decreased by 0.9%, and employment declined by 2.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wilberforce's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.9% in five years and 12.1% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Wilberforce suburb has a median taxpayer income of $54,758 and an average income of $69,913 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, the median income is $60,817 with an average income of $83,003. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $60,409 (median) and $77,128 (average), based on a 10.32% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. In Wilberforce, household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 69th and 81st percentiles nationally, as per the 2021 Census data. The earnings profile shows that 31.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region at 30.9%. A significant proportion, 35.2%, earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. 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 structures, as per the latest Census, were 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wilberforce was at 36.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.3% and rented ones at 17.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,364, below 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 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Wilberforce exceeded 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%, consisting of 16.9% lone person households and 2.3% group households. The median household size is 3.0 people, 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows that Wilberforce has 44 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 24 different routes, offering a total of 191 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 175 meters of the nearest one. Most residents commute outward from Wilberforce, and cars remain the most commonly used mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 2.3 vehicles per dwelling in Wilberforce, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant proportion of residents, 29.3%, work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four 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 shows strong performance throughout Wilberforce, based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 1,619 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.6% and 7.2% of residents respectively. Approximately 72.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (around 545 people), which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Wilberforce, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of 78.9%, indicating below average diversity. The population was predominantly born in Australia (89.9%), with 93.7% being Australian citizens and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 65.1% of residents, compared to Greater Sydney's 49.2%.

Ancestry-wise, Australians topped the list at 31.8%, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.8%. English ancestry followed at 30.7%, surpassing the regional average of 19.0%. Irish ancestry stood at 7.7%. Notably, Maltese ancestry was 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, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years. This figure is also close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing the age distributions between Wilberforce and Greater Sydney reveals notable differences: the 55-64 cohort makes up 13.9% of Wilberforce's population, higher than Greater Sydney's average, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 11.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.0% to 5.6%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 13.5%. By 2041, Wilberforce's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. The most prominent shift involves the 85+ group, which is expected to grow by 170%, reaching 168 people from its current size of 62. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to contribute to 85% of this growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.