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 is estimated at approximately 3,453 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 192 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,261. The change can be inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,361 in June 2024, derived from the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 70 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 195 persons per square kilometer. Wollongbar's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.9%) and non-metro areas, indicating 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's projections for Wollongbar are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilised. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of national regional areas, with Wollongbar expected to grow by 886 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 24.4% 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. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 119 homes were approved, with another 7 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 1.7 new residents arriving per new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value for these dwellings is approximately $561,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. This financial year has seen around $2.2 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Wollongbar's residential nature. Compared to the rest of NSW, Wollongbar has slightly more development activity, with 21.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

Recent construction comprises 65.0% detached dwellings and 35.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of housing opportunities. Currently, Wollongbar has around 141 people per approval, reflecting its low density area status. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wollongbar is expected to grow by approximately 842 residents through to 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three major projects that could affect the region. Key projects are Wollongbar Public Preschool, Wollongbar Housing Project, Verandah Lifestyle Estate, and Woodburn-Casino Road Upgrade. The following details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Wollongbar significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Wollongbar has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, Wollongbar has 1,705 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wollongbar is 63.6%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training has an employment level at 1.3 times the regional average, while mining has limited presence with 0.2% employment compared to 2.5% regionally.

Wollongbar appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wollongbar's labour force decreased by 2.2%, while employment declined by 1.8%, resulting in a fall of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Wollongbar's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Wollongbar's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows Wollongbar's median income is $48,162 and average income is $63,992. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,429 (median) and $69,662 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Wollongbar's household, family, and personal incomes rank between 44th and 47th percentiles. The predominant income cohort is 35.0% of locals earning $1,500 - $2,999 per week, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th percentile. Wollongbar'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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wollongbar was at 37.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 24.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wollongbar was $1,842, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent figure in Wollongbar was recorded as $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Wollongbar's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, 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

Wollongbar's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 24.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (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

Wollongong has 114 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses operating across 24 routes. Together, they facilitate 394 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 100 meters to the nearest stop. On average, services run 56 times daily per route, equating to about three weekly trips per individual stop.

Wollongbar's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Wollongbar's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, impacting about 1,804 people, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues affect 9.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.4%. Around 67.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.0% in Rest of NSW. Wollongbar has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (700 people), lower than the 23.6% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

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% born in Australia, 93.7% as citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 54.5%, compared to 42.2% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.8%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Scottish (9.0%) and Welsh (0.6%) were equally represented compared to the regional figures of 9.0% and 0.6%, respectively.

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. The proportion of individuals aged 5-14 years is notably higher in Wollongongbar at 13.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 55-64 years are under-represented at 11.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of individuals aged 15 to 24 has increased from 12.0% to 12.8%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Wollongongbar. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 164 people (42%), growing from 390 to 555 residents. The 15-24 age group is expected to grow more modestly, with an increase of 7% and the addition of 32 residents.