Wollongbar

Wollongbar lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Wollongbar's population was estimated at around 3,461 as of Feb 2026, reflecting an increase of 200 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,261. This growth, inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,361 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, resulted in a density ratio of 196 persons per square kilometer. Wollongbar's 6.1% growth exceeded both the SA4 region (4.1%) and Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Wollongbar SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to Wollongbar for years 2032 to 2041.

Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Wollongbar expected to grow by 883 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 23.9% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Wollongbar when compared nationally

Wollongbar averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 119 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved in FY-26 so far. This translates to about 1.7 new residents arriving per year for each new home over this period, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic.

The average construction cost value of these dwellings was approximately $561,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, Wollongbar has registered around $2.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Comparatively, Wollongbar has seen slightly more development than the rest of NSW over the past five years, with a 21.0% increase per person. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

The recent construction trend comprises 65.0% detached dwellings and 35.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 84.0% houses. This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Wollongbar has a population density of around 141 people per approval, indicating a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wollongbar is projected to grow by approximately 828 residents through to 2041. Construction pace is currently maintaining a reasonable balance with this expected growth. However, as population increases, buyers may face growing competition for available properties.

Wollongbar has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three major projects potentially impacting the region. Key projects are Wollongbar Public Preschool, Wollongbar Housing Project, Verandah Lifestyle Estate, and Woodburn-Casino Road Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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 analysis reveals Wollongbar significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Wollongbar has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In September 2025, 1,700 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.8% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was at 64.5%, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicated that 16.6% of residents worked from home. The key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training had an employment level 1.3 times the regional average, while mining had limited presence with only 0.2% employment compared to the regional average of 2.5%.

The area appeared to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wollongbar's labour force decreased by 2.4%, while employment declined by 2.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and an increase in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wollongbar's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that income in Wollongbar is lower than average nationally. The median income was $48,162 and the average was $63,992. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income was $52,390 and the average was $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 30, 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,429 for median income and $69,662 for average income. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Wollongbar rank modestly, between the 44th and 47th percentiles. The data shows that the predominant cohort spans 35.0% of locals (1,211 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wollongbar, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Wollongbar is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Wollongbar's dwellings were 84.3% houses and 15.7% other types at the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% others. Home ownership in Wollongbar was 37.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 24.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Wollongbar was $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Wollongbar's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,842 vs Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $420 vs the national figure of $375.

Wollongbar has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.8 percent of all households, including 32.0 percent couples with children, 29.8 percent couples without children, and 14.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.2 percent, with lone person households at 20.2 percent and group households comprising 2.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Wollongbar performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

In Wollongong, 24.6% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the state average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 28.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wollongbar has 116 active public transport stops. These are served by 24 bus routes that together offer 394 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents usually within 100 metres of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily using cars (95%). On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 56 trips per day across all routes, equating to about three weekly trips per stop. A map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

The level of general health in Wollongbar is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Wollongbar demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (around 1,808 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (706 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Wollongong, found below average in cultural diversity, had 88.8% of its population born in Australia, with 93.7% being citizens and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 54.5%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. Top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.8%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 9.0% versus regional 8.0%, Spanish at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.5%.

Wollongbar's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Wollongongbar is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. In comparison with the Rest of NSW average, the 5-14 age group is notably higher at 13.4% locally, while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 10.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 10.6% to 11.5%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 11.4% and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Wollongongbar, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow by 159 people (40%) from 398 to 557, and the 15 to 24 group expected to see modest growth of 7%, adding only 30 residents.