Wollongong

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

The Wollongong statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of 22,816 as of Nov 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses. This figure represents a growth of 2,370 people since the 2021 Census, reflecting an increase of 11.6%. The resident population was estimated at 22,368 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 813 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,961 persons per square kilometer, placing Wollongong in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 11.6% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (4.4%) and the non-metro area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate exceptional growth over the period, placing Wollongong in the top 10 percent of national regional areas. The area is expected to increase by 15,241 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 64.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wollongong among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Wollongong experienced approximately 341 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,707 homes were approved, with an additional 260 approved in FY-26 so far. Each year, about 1.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

The average construction value was $403,000. In FY-26, Wollongong recorded $130.7 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Rest of NSW, Wollongong's construction activity per person is 180.0% higher. New developments consist of 2.0% detached dwellings and 98.0% attached dwellings. AreaSearch projects Wollongong will add 14,805 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Future projections show Wollongong adding 14,805 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Wollongong 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 has identified 35 projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Wollongong to Coniston Rail Infrastructure Upgrade, Wollongong Hospital Redevelopment - Planning and Equipment Upgrades, Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), and 21 Auburn Street, Wollongong. The following 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.

Employment drivers in Wollongong are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wollongong has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year.

There were 12,801 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stood at 60.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.2% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. As at the Census, there is one worker for every resident, indicating Wollongong functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force increased by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Wollongong's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Wollongong's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Wollongong's median income among taxpayers is $50,083 and the average is $68,445. These figures align with national averages. In comparison, Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $54,520 (median) and $74,509 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 56th percentile ($836 weekly), while household income is at the 38th percentile. Income analysis shows that 33.4% of individuals in Wollongong earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (7,620 individuals), similar to regional levels where 29.9% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 34th percentile. Wollongong's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Wollongong features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Wollongong, as per the latest Census evaluation, houses accounted for 13.9% of dwellings while other types such as semi-detached and apartments made up 86.1%. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW where houses comprised 58.9% and other dwellings 41.1%. Home ownership in Wollongong stood at 25.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.4% and rented ones at 56.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. Weekly rent in Wollongong was recorded at $410, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Wollongong's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 50.8% of all households, including 12.6% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 49.2%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households at 11.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Wollongong exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Wollongong is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 40.7% of residents aged 15 years and over held university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of New South Wales and 25.2% in the SA4 region. This gives Wollongong a substantial educational advantage. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%).

Trade and technical skills were also prominent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (19.2%). Educational participation was notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 14.8% in tertiary education, 4.1% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Wollongong has 119 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 85 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,497 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 128 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 928 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 54 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Wollongong are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Wollongong exhibits below-average health outcomes, with common conditions more prevalent than average among both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~12,318 people) have private health cover, compared to 56.8% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues affect 10.1%, arthritis impacts 8.3%, while 68.0% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of NSW's 68.6%. The area has 17.5% (3,992 people) aged 65 and over, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Wollongong was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wollongong's population shows higher cultural diversity than most other local areas, with 33.7% born overseas and 28.8% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wollongong, accounting for 45.6% of its population. Islam is notably overrepresented compared to rest of NSW, comprising 4.6% versus 2.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.2%), Australian (19.3%) and Other (12.5%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Macedonian at 2.6% (regional average is 1.5%), Serbian at 1.3% (0.8%), Spanish at 0.7% (0.5%).

Wollongong's population is younger than the national pattern

Wollongong's median age is 34, lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Wollongong at 27.4%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 4.3%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, Wollongong's median age has decreased by 1.3 years to 34. The 25-34 age group grew from 23.9% to 27.4% of the population during this period, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 9.7% to 8.5%. By 2041, Wollongong's population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 82%, adding 5,135 people and reaching a total of 11,387 from the current figure of 6,251.