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 February 2026, reflecting an increase of 200 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.1% rise from the previous census figure of 3,261 people. AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses supports this estimation. The population density is approximately 196 persons per square kilometer. Wollongbar's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.1%) and the Rest of NSW, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed around 48% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Wollongbar expected to grow by 867 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 22.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Wollongbar when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Wollongbar shows an average of 22 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, there were 113 homes approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY-26. This results in approximately 1.8 new residents arriving per new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $561,000. In comparison to Rest of NSW, Wollongbar has seen slightly more development, at 16.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Recent construction comprises 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the current housing pattern of 84.0% houses. Wollongbar is expected to grow by 767 residents through to 2041, with construction maintaining pace despite increasing competition among buyers as population increases.

Looking ahead, Wollongbar is expected to grow by 767 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Wollongbar 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 three major projects that may impact this region. Key projects include Wollongbar Public Preschool, Wollongbar Housing Project, Verandah Lifestyle Estate, and Woodburn-Casino Road Upgrade. The following details those likely 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.

The labour market strength in Wollongbar positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Wollongbar has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025. This rate is lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, indicating relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 1,725 residents employed in Wollongbar at this time, with a workforce participation rate of 65.2%. A moderate 16.6% of residents worked from home based on Census responses. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, there is a concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Mining has limited presence in Wollongbar, with only 0.2% employment compared to Regional NSW's 2.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2% while employment declined by 0.3%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.1 percentage points according to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Wollongbar. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wollongbar's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Wollongbar has lower income levels than the national average. The median income in Wollongbar is $48,162 while the average stands at $63,992. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Wollongbar would be approximately $52,429 (median) and $69,662 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Wollongbar rank modestly, between the 44th and 47th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 35.0% of locals (1,211 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, 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, 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 Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% others. Home ownership in Wollongbar was 37.8%, similar to Regional NSW's 37.9%. Mortgaged dwellings were 37.3% and rented ones 24.9%. Wollongbar's median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, higher than Regional NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Wollongbar was $420, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Wollongbar's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375.

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

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

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

Wollongbar's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 24.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the state average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 28.9%. Educational participation is high in Wollongbar, 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 24 unique routes that together facilitate 394 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 100 meters to the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Wollongbar sees most residents commuting outward, with cars being the predominant mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 56 trips daily, equating to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays 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 shows above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,808 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (719 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.8% of its population born in Australia, 93.7% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Wollongong is Christianity, comprising 54.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Wollongong are English (31.8%), Australian (28.8%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.0%, compared to 8.0% regionally; Spanish ancestry is also higher at 0.5%, versus 0.3%; Welsh ancestry stands at 0.6%, slightly above the regional average of 0.5%.

Wollongbar's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Wollongongbar is 40 years, which is moderately below the Regional NSW average of 43 but slightly above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional NSW average, the 5-14 age group is significantly overrepresented at 13.5% locally, while the 55-64 age group is underrepresented at 10.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.3% to 13.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 11.4%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, Wollongongbar's population is projected to see significant demographic shifts. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to expand notably by 150 people (39%), growing from 391 to 542 residents. The 15-24 age group is projected to grow more modestly at 5%, adding only 23 residents.