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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Windang has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Windang's population is estimated at around 2,606 as of May 2026, reflecting a decrease of 4 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 2,604 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level equates to a density ratio of 1,099 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year.
Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Windang's population is expected to decline by 10 persons by 2041, while the 85 and over age group is projected to grow by 51 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Windang is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Windang has seen limited development activity with an average of two approvals per year over the past five years, totalling eleven. This low level reflects Windang's rural nature where development is driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.
Windang has less construction activity than Rest of NSW and its development pattern is below national averages. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's rural character with emphasis on space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (80.0% at Census), indicating ongoing demand for family homes. With around 578 people per approval, Windang shows a mature, established area.
Given its expected stable or declining population, Windang may see reduced pressure on housing, potentially offering opportunities for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Windang
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Windang 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 one major project likely impacting the region: Lake Illawarra Entrance Options Study, Warilla Beach Seawall Renewal, Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library, Shellharbour Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot Program are key projects, with the following list detailing those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services
A $782 million major health infrastructure project delivering a new seven-storey greenfield hospital at Dunmore. Key features include an expanded emergency department with a rooftop helipad, specialized elective surgery theatres, mental health inpatient units, and comprehensive outpatient services. The project also encompasses the new Warrawong Community Health Centre and upgrades to Wollongong and Bulli Hospitals to enhance the Illawarra Shoalhaven health network.
Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone
NSW's first urban Renewable Energy Zone is in early planning, with EnergyCo coordinating development of a declared REZ intended to provide 1 GW of network capacity. Current work focuses on community and industry engagement, network planning with Endeavour Energy, use of existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, and integration of rooftop solar, batteries, community-scale batteries and future low-carbon industries such as green hydrogen and green steel.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a 1,022 square kilometre area of Commonwealth waters in the Pacific Ocean, located at least 20 km offshore between Wombarra and Kiama in New South Wales. It was officially declared by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on 15 June 2024 as Australia's fourth offshore wind zone. The zone has a potential generation capacity of around 2.9 GW, theoretically enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes, and was projected to support an estimated 1,740 construction jobs and 870 ongoing jobs. Due to a sharp drop in water depths off the coast, only floating wind turbine technology is considered viable for the zone. Feasibility licence applications were open from 17 June to 15 August 2024. Initial proponents Oceanex Energy and Equinor opted not to apply, instead focusing on the Hunter Offshore Wind Zone where they were awarded a feasibility licence for the Novocastrian project. Spanish developer BlueFloat Energy became the sole feasibility licence applicant but formally withdrew its application in January 2026, citing global commercial pressures and the wind-down of its Australian operations by parent Quantum Capital. On 23 January 2026, the Federal Government confirmed no feasibility licences would be granted in the Illawarra zone. The zone remains declared and could reopen for feasibility applications if competitive interest returns. In the meantime, the area is open for Research and Demonstration (R&D) licence applications to trial offshore renewable technologies including floating wind, wave and tidal current systems.
Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)
The Mariyung Fleet is a 610-carriage double-deck electric train fleet (D sets) replacing the ageing V-set and Oscar fleets across the NSW intercity network. Delivered by the RailConnect NSW consortium (UGL, Hyundai Rotem, Mitsubishi Electric Australia), the trains feature wider 2x2 seating with arm rests, tray tables and cup holders, charging ports, dedicated luggage, pram and bicycle spaces, accessible toilets, dedicated wheelchair spaces, CCTV, digital information screens and Automatic Selective Door Operation. The fleet operates in 4, 6, 8 or 10-car formations. Passenger services commenced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line on 3 December 2024, on the Blue Mountains Line on 13 October 2025, and on the South Coast Line on 14 April 2026. The South Coast Line rollout begins with seven 4 and 6-car sets, scaling to 16 trains by 2027 with 8-car sets later in 2026 and 10-car configurations in 2027. The project includes the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility (operated by UGL on a 15-year contract) and extensive corridor upgrades including platform extensions, signalling modifications, balise installation and overhead wiring works.
Rail Service Improvement Program (Mortdale-Kiama)
The Rail Service Improvement Program (formerly More Trains, More Services) is a multi-billion-dollar NSW Government initiative to modernize the rail network for the Mariyung fleet. The Mortdale to Kiama package involves infrastructure upgrades including the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (active maintenance and shunting works in February 2026), platform extensions at Kiama (completed), and ongoing signaling, power supply, and station improvements at Thirroul and Shellharbour Junction to enable increased service frequency on the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines.
Shellharbour Mobile Tiny Homes Pilot Program
State-first two-year pilot program allowing mobile tiny homes on existing residential properties without development applications. Council approved September 23, 2025. Planning Proposal to amend Shellharbour LEP 2013 requires NSW Government approval and 28-day public consultation (up to 6 months process). Program provides affordable rental housing through moveable dwellings on trailers registered under Road Transport Act 2013, subject to strict conditions including minimum setbacks, connection to essential services, and fire safety compliance. Addresses housing crisis where median house price is $1 million.
More Trains More Services Stage Two - Mortdale to Kiama Capital Works
A comprehensive rail infrastructure package delivered to enable the rollout of the Mariyung intercity fleet. Works included major upgrades to the Mortdale Maintenance Centre (including a new bogie exchange system), platform extensions at Kiama and other stations, and the construction of new stabling yards at Waterfall and Kiama. As of April 2026, the project has reached operational completion with the Mariyung fleet officially entering service on the South Coast Line.
Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library
A new $41.5 million three-storey community hub in Warrawong featuring a modern library, community centre, flexible meeting and function rooms, spaces for community organisations, a town square, landscaped public spaces, and parking. Construction commenced September 2025 and is expected to be completed by mid-2027. The facility will serve the southern suburbs of Wollongong including Berkeley, Lake Heights, Cringila, Warrawong, Port Kembla, Primbee, and Windang.
Employment
Employment conditions in Windang face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Windang's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 9.7% as of an unspecified date based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025992 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is 1.9 percentage points higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.
The workforce participation rate in Windang was 48.1%, significantly lower than Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 23.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in healthcare & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. Notably, construction employment is at 1.4 times the regional average.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs none of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by a lower Census working population compared to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Windang's labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment declined by 0.9%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. 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 suggest that Windang's local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolations of industry-specific projections against Windang's employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Windang had a median income among taxpayers of $45,416. The average income stood at $55,076. This is lower than national averages and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,103 (median) and $60,760 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household incomes in Windang fall between the 1st and 10th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 35.5% of residents (925 people). In contrast, the metropolitan region has a dominant bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 29.9%. With 44.9% earning under $800 per week, Windang faces income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Windang is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Windang's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Windang was 54.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.6% and rented ones at 22.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Windang was $1,950, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Windang was $335, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Windang's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $335 compared to the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Windang features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 56.2% of all households, including 19.7% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.8%, comprising 42.0% lone person households and 2.2% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Windang faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (32.8%).
A substantial 22.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.6% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Windang has 30 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 unique routes that together facilitate 568 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 127 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most Windang residents travel outward for work, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling in Windang, which is lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 23% of Windang residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Across all routes, an average of 81 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Windang is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Windang faces substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of Windang's total population (~1,270 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.
The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.4%) and mental health issues (8.8%). 54.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Windang has 38.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,003 people), higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Windang ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Windang's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.8% of its population born in Australia, 89.7% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Windang, comprising 58.3% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.8%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (9.0%).
Notably, Spanish (1.2%) Welsh (0.9%) and Hungarian (0.6%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.2% respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Windang ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
The median age in Windang is 56 years, notably higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 15.5% of Windang's population, significantly higher than Regional NSW's percentage and well above the national average of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, this age group has grown from 14.4% to 15.5%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Windang's age structure. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 41%, adding 55 residents to reach a total of 188. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 52% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 age cohorts.