Wingham

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

Analyzing population updates from the ABS for the region alongside new residential addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Wingham has an estimated population of 5,443 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 48 individuals (0.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,395 individuals. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 5,437, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 coupled with 28 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 88 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density living and ample space for expansion. The suburb of Wingham's 0.9% post-census growth rate trails the SA3 region (3.6%) by 2.7 percentage points, showing competitive structural growth. Population expansion in the locality was mostly supported by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 56.00000000000001% of all demographic gains in recent times.

AreaSearch implements ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 areas without this data, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 using a 2021 baseline are applied. Demographic growth projections by age brackets from these data sources are applied to all locations for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic patterns, expansion in the lowest quartile of non-metropolitan regions nationwide is projected, with the area anticipated to add 94 residents by 2041 under consolidated SA2-level estimates, which constitutes an overall rise of 1.6% across the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch's evaluation of building approvals from the ABS, mapped from regional statistical data, shows that the suburb of Wingham has averaged roughly 12 dwelling approvals annually, summing to approximately 64 residential units over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 11 building approvals have been logged. Because the region has seen population declines, this new housing volume has likely matched local demand, offering options to prospective buyers, with new homes constructed at an average estimated cost of $358,000. Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $4.0 million during this financial year, which highlights the predominantly residential nature of the locality.

Compared against the Rest of NSW, development pace in Wingham is quiet, sitting at 55.0% below the regional average per capita. This restricted rate of new building generally supports demand and helps hold values for existing housing. The volume of building is also lower than the national standard, reflecting a mature market and potential zoning restrictions. In addition, new construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the low-density character of the area with a focus on separate homes that attract buyers seeking larger blocks. The average of 570 residents in the area for every single building approval highlights a quiet development sector with low construction volumes.

Looking forward, the population of the suburb of Wingham is projected to increase by 88 people by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch. At the current pace of construction, housing supply is expected to satisfy demand, creating a favorable market for purchasers and potentially supporting growth above current projections.

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

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development projects are major drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 9 projects that are expected to impact the local community. Key developments include the Manning River Underbore - New Water Supply Pipeline to Wingham, Wingham Residential Development, Wingham Central Park Master Plan, and the Pacific Highway - Harrington Road Interchange, with details provided for the most significant projects.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Wingham faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Wingham features a balanced labor force split between professional and trade roles, with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of 5.5%, according to statistical area data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, there were 2,237 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 1.3% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is considerably lower at 52.5% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a minor 6.1% of employees worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local citizens are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The region displays a high concentration in health care & social assistance, where the employment proportion is 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety is underrepresented, employing only 3.6% of the workforce in Wingham compared to 7.5% in Regional NSW. The relationship between the Census working population and resident population suggests that the local area offers limited jobs within its boundaries.

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional data, the local labor force shrank by 3.4% and total employment fell by 3.9% over the 12 months leading to March 2026, which drove the unemployment rate up by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% reduction in the labor force, and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Future local employment trends can be understood in the context of Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25. These forecasts, spanning five and ten years, are mapped against local employment figures to project future jobs. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local workforce structure indicates that employment in Wingham could rise by 6.5% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, representing a simple weighted projection for illustration that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

According to tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023, personal income levels in Wingham are lower than the national average. The median income among taxpayers is $40,800 and the average income is $47,836, compared to Regional NSW averages of $52,390 and $65,215. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 are approximately $45,011 for median income and $52,773 for average income. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Wingham fell between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. Looking at how income is distributed, the $800 - 1,499 bracket is the most common, containing 29.3% of taxpayers (1,594 people), whereas the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest in the broader region at 29.9%. Housing cost pressures are significant, leaving residents with only 84.3% of their income, which ranks in the 9th percentile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Wingham consisted of 92.1% separate houses and 8.0% alternative housing styles such as semi-detached homes, units, or other dwellings, compared to Regional NSW where separate houses made up 82.6% and other dwellings accounted for 17.4%. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Wingham were significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 44.6%, while the remaining homes were occupied under a mortgage (32.0%) or rented (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,371 was well below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $306, compared to the regional figure of $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in Wingham are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are well below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 66.7%, consisting of 22.0% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 15.5% single-parent households. Non-family households represent the remaining 33.3%, with single-person households accounting for 30.8% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size of 2.3 people is slightly below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The region presents low levels of tertiary education, with university qualification rates of 11.9% falling well below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This shows an opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding a qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 33.7%.

A high proportion of residents are engaged in study, with 26.8% of the population enrolled in formal education programs. This group includes 10.6% in primary school, 8.3% in secondary school, and 1.7% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Transport options in Wingham include 238 active transit stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 routes that provide 628 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 140 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb of Wingham is predominantly residential, and most workers commute out of the area, with private cars being the main transport mode at 94%. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A low proportion of residents work from home, recorded at 6.1% in the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The transport network averages 89 daily passenger services across all routes, which represents approximately 2 weekly services per stop. The associated map indicates the 100 closest stops to the center of the area.

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

Assessment of mortality rates and chronic disease indicators by AreaSearch reveals notable health issues in the suburb of Wingham, affecting both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at approximately 46% of the population (~2,499 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, each affecting 11.3% of the population, while 57.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age cohort shows high rates of chronic health conditions. Residents aged 65 and over make up 27.7% of the population (1,507 people), which exceeds the Regional NSW average of 23.4%. Health measures for older residents indicate challenges, with rankings for seniors showing worse health than the general population.

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

The suburb of Wingham shows low cultural diversity, with citizens making up 91.7% of the population, 92.9% of residents born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 56.7% of residents, which is similar to the Regional NSW average of 55.9%.

Regarding parental country of birth, the largest ancestry groups in the suburb of Wingham are Australian at 34.9%, English at 34.9%, and Scottish at 7.8%. There are also distinct representation levels for other heritages: Australian Aboriginal residents account for 5.3% of the population (compared to 4.6% across the region), Maltese residents represent 0.4% (compared to 0.4% regionally), and Hungarian residents make up 0.2% (compared to 0.2% regionally).

Wingham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of residents in Wingham is 47 years, which is higher than the Regional NSW average of 43 years and the national average of 38 years. The demographic profile features a high proportion of people aged 55 - 64 years (15.1%), while the 35 - 44 years cohort is relatively small (9.8%) compared to the regional average. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 9.6% to 10.8% of the population, while the 25 to 34 age bracket decreased from 10.3% to 9.2%. By 2041, the age profile is expected to shift, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to increase by 15% (86 people), rising from 560 to 647. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 age cohorts.