Wongawilli

Wongawilli lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

The suburb of Wongawilli's population is estimated at around 1,641 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 428 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,213 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,620 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 190 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 373 persons per square kilometer. Wongawilli's growth rate of 35.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (4.7%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 78.0% 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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate exceptional growth over the period, placing Wongawilli in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to grow by 675 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 39.9% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Wongawilli was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wongawilli averaged around 42 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 214 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. Historically, approximately 3.2 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $430,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been $7.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. Relative to Rest of NSW, Wongawilli records 446.0% more building activity per person. This is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area and ample choice for buyers. New development consists of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% attached dwellings, marking a departure from existing housing patterns (currently 99.0% houses). This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 35 people per dwelling approval, Wongawilli exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Wongawilli will gain 654 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Wongawilli has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to affect the area: Brooks Reach Central Precinct, Fair Views Estate, West Dapto Road Upgrade, and Sydney Water - West Dapto Package 3 (Cleveland). The following list details those most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Wongawilli performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Wongawilli has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 911 residents in work at this time, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was high at 77.5% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 31.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Wongawilli shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.0% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force also increased by 3.2%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Wongawilli. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wongawilli's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Wongawilli suburb has a median taxpayer income of $70,691 and an average income of $87,459 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are among the highest in Australia. In comparison, Regional NSW's median income is $52,390 with an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $77,986 (median) and $96,485 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Wongawilli rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 95th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that the largest segment is 43.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (705 residents), which aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. A substantial presence of higher earners is noted, with 44.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 18.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 94th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Wongawilli's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings. Regional NSW, in comparison, had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wongawilli was at 13.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 77.0% and rented ones at 9.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wongawilli was $2,600, exceeding Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Wongawilli stood at $600, higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Wongawilli's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wongawilli features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 93.2% of all households, including 60.2% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 5.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 6.8%, with lone person households at 7.2% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size is 3.4 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Wongawilli demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Wongawilli is notably high, with 27.2% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to the broader SA3 area at 16.9% and Rest of NSW at 21.3%. The most common university qualification is a Bachelor degree, held by 19.3% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent in Wongawilli, with 41.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.5%, while certificates make up 30.3%. Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (15.2%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (2.7%).

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

Wongawilli has five active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by seven different routes, together facilitating 200 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 285 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 99%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 2.1, surpassing the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 31.7% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 28 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wongawilli's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Wongawilli, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,008 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.0 and 7.5% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 79.5%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 7.3% of residents aged 65 and over (119 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Wongawilli records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wongawilli's cultural diversity aligns with its broader region, with 82.9% of residents born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 85.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wongawilli, practiced by 64.2%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.2%), English (24.4%), and Other (7.8%).

Notably, Spanish (1.2%) and Macedonian (3.4%) groups are overrepresented in Wongawilli compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Serbian ancestry is also higher at 0.9%.

Wongawilli hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Wongawilli was 32 years as of the 2021 Census, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and also substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Wongawilli had a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.8%). Since the Census in 2021, the area's median age has increased by 1 year to 32, up from 31 years in the previous period. Specifically, the percentage of residents aged 65 to 74 grew from 2.6% to 4.8%, while those aged 15 to 24 increased from 9.7% to 11.5%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 decreased from 19.5% to 17.0%, and the percentage of residents aged 0 to 4 dropped from 11.2% to 9.2%. By the year 2041, Wongawilli is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic change, the group aged 35 to 44 is expected to grow by 47%, increasing from 300 to 440 people.