Windale

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

Windale's population is estimated at around 3,442 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 21 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,421 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,428 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,670 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Windale's growth rate of 0.6% since census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with the suburb projected to grow by 265 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.3% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Windale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Windale recorded around 18 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Approximately 93 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with 12 more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 1.5 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years, suggesting balanced supply and demand. However, this ratio increased to 5.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $422,000, slightly above the regional average. This year, $3.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Windale has 31.0% higher construction activity per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Building activity has slowed recently. New developments consist of 29.0% detached dwellings and 71.0% medium and high-density housing, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 75.0% houses.

This trend indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Windale has around 395 people per approval, indicating a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Windale is expected to grow by 251 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Windale 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 18 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include The Summit, Windale Area Plan, Ryhope Street Subdivision, and Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion. Below is a list detailing projects likely most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Windale face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Windale has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in Windale is 15.7%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 1,053 employed residents, while the unemployment rate stands at 11.8% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Windale is significantly lower at 45.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses indicate that only 8.5% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Notably, Windale has a high concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.4% of Windale's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. 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 increased by 0.3%, while employment decreased by 5.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 5.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Windale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Windale's median taxpayer income was $36,388 in financial year 2023. The average income was $47,210 during the same period. These figures are lower than Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated median and average incomes in Windale would be approximately $40,143 and $52,082 respectively, based on a 10.32% growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Windale fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. In Windale, 37.5% of individuals earn within the $400 - 799 range, compared to regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates at 29.9%. A significant proportion, 52.0%, earn below $800 per week, suggesting constrained household budgets across much of the suburb. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Windale, with only 75.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 2nd percentile nationally.

Windale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Windale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.8% houses and 25.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Windale was at 7.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 10.9% and rented dwellings at 81.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,478, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Windale was recorded at $186, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Windale's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Windale features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 58.0% of all households, including 14.4% couples with children, 15.3% couples without children, and 26.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.0%, with lone person households at 38.3% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Windale faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 6.3%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common among graduates at 5.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 5.5% and certificates for 32.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Windale has 45 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by 21 different routes that collectively facilitate 693 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 136 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Windale, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 0.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Windale is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Windale faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% (around 1,572 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 16.3% and 14.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 46.7% report no medical ailments, compared to Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 17.0% (585 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but generally align with national rankings.

The latest Census data sees Windale placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Windale, as per the census data from June 2016, showed lower than average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens at 84.9%, with 93.9% born in Australia and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 46.6% of Windale's population.

However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, making up 0.8% compared to the regional average of 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, Australians were the largest group at 35.5%, higher than the regional average of 30.0%. English ancestry followed at 30.1%, and Australian Aboriginal was notable at 12.0%, significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh were equally represented at 0.5%, Samoan also matched regional levels at 0.1%, and Vietnamese had a higher representation at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

Windale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Windale is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years, and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 15.7%, compared to Regional NSW. However, the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 5.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.4% to 15.7%, while the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 11.1% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for Windale in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 15%, reaching 623 people from the current 540. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are forecasted to experience population declines.