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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
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
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Wongawilli's population is estimated at around 1,650 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 437 people (36.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,213 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,458 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 375 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Wongawilli's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%), 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, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.
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 suburb is expected to grow by 816 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 37.8% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wongawilli among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wongawilli averaged around 42 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 214 homes. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 1.6 new residents per year arriving for each new home over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating a balance between supply and demand. The average value of new dwellings developed is $430,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.
There have been $7.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. Relative to Rest of NSW, Wongawilli records 543.0% more building activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. This level is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 99.0% houses), potentially indicating diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 34 people per dwelling approval, Wongawilli shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Wongawilli will gain 624 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).
Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Wongawilli has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area: Brooks Reach Central Precinct, Fair Views Estate, West Dapto Road Upgrade, and Sydney Water - West Dapto Package 3 (Cleveland). The following details those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)
NSW's first urban Renewable Energy Zone designed to integrate 1 GW of network capacity. The project focuses on leveraging existing industrial, port, and grid infrastructure to support green hydrogen, green steel, and offshore wind industries. It uniquely emphasizes consumer energy resources like rooftop solar and community batteries. As of early 2026, EnergyCo continues detailed infrastructure planning and community engagement following the 2025 Roundtable which identified over $43 billion in potential private investment interest.
Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone
The Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone is a Commonwealth-declared area covering 1,022 square kilometres in the Pacific Ocean, located 20km to 45km off the NSW coast between Wombarra and Kiama. Declared on 15 June 2024, the zone has a potential generation capacity of 2.9 GW, enough to power approximately 1.8 million homes. Following a competitive application process in late 2024, Corio Generation Australia was awarded the first feasibility licence in December 2025. This allows for seven years of detailed environmental assessments, geotechnical surveys, and community consultation to determine the technical and commercial viability of a large-scale floating offshore wind farm.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
State-wide NSW planning reforms to enable diverse low and mid-rise housing, including dual occupancies, terraces, townhouses, and apartment buildings up to 6 storeys. The policy applies to residential zones within 800m of 171 nominated transport hubs and town centres. Stage 1 (dual occupancies) commenced 1 July 2024, and Stage 2 (mid-rise apartments and terraces) commenced 28 February 2025. In June 2025, further amendments adjusted aircraft noise thresholds and clarified storey definitions to expand the policy's reach. The initiative is expected to facilitate approximately 112,000 additional homes by 2030.
West Dapto Urban Release Area
The West Dapto Urban Release Area (WDURA) is the largest urban growth project in New South Wales outside the Sydney metropolitan region, spanning approximately 3,000 to 4,500 hectares. The long-term master plan facilitates the delivery of 19,500 new dwellings to house an estimated 59,000 residents over a 50-year horizon. As of early 2026, major infrastructure works are active, including the Cleveland Road Stage 1 upgrade (widening to four lanes) and the West Dapto Road upgrade, with the latter scheduled to reopen to traffic in July 2026. The precinct features eight future centers, including three major town centers at Bong Bong, Darkes, and Marshall Mount, alongside extensive community facilities, schools, and sustainable stormwater networks. The project is supported by the West Dapto Development Contributions Plan 2024, which seeks to secure over $1.57 billion in infrastructure funding.
Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet)
The Mariyung Fleet is a 610-carriage double-deck electric train fleet (D sets) replacing the aging V-set fleet across the NSW intercity network. Delivered by the RailConnect consortium, the trains feature 2x2 seating, charging ports, dedicated luggage/bicycle spaces, and enhanced accessibility with wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. The fleet operates in 4, 6, 8, or 10-car formations. Passenger services commenced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line on 3 December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line on 13 October 2025. South Coast Line services are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026. The project includes the Kangy Angy Maintenance Facility and extensive corridor upgrades such as platform extensions and signaling modifications.
Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan 2041
The strategic blueprint for the region's transport network to 2041, comprising 71 initiatives to support a population of 505,000. Key projects include the $1.9 billion Princes Highway Upgrade program, Mount Ousley interchange, Picton Road upgrade, and rail improvements (More Trains, More Services). The plan targets a '30-minute city' vision, ensuring 20% of trips are made by walking, cycling, or public transport, and improving freight connections to Western Sydney.
M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto
Transport for NSW is planning new south-facing entry and exit ramps to better connect Dapto and nearby suburbs to the M1 Princes Motorway. Options under investigation include locations at Kanahooka Rd, Fowlers Rd or Emerson Rd. Community consultation in late 2023 to early 2024 showed strong support. Planning is ongoing with matched NSW and Australian Government funding for planning and further design.
Brooks Reach Central Precinct
Expansion of the Brooks Reach masterplanned residential community with development approval for a central precinct featuring approximately 170 new residential lots, building on the existing estate to provide family homes in a growing suburb near amenities and transport.
Employment
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. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025. This is below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.
Workforce participation in Wongawilli was 78.3%, higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 31.7% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Health care & social assistance employs 1.2 times the regional level in Wongawilli, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs none.
The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.4% alongside labour force increasing by 0.5%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Wongawilli's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis
The suburb of Wongawilli had a median taxpayer income of $70,691 and an average income of $87,459 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,954 (median) and $95,208 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Wongawilli, between the 90th and 95th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 43.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (709 residents), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 44.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 18.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 94th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Wongawilli is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
The dwelling structure in Wongawilli, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wongawilli stood at 13.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 77.0% and rented ones at 9.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, surpassing the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Wongawilli was recorded at $600, compared to 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
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 constitute the remaining 6.8%, with lone person households making up 7.2% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 3.4 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Wongawilli demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics
Wongawilli's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 27.2% have university qualifications, compared to 16.9% in the SA3 area and 21.3% in Rest of NSW. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (30.3%).
Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Wongawilli has five operational public transport stops, offering a variety of bus services. These stops are served by seven different routes, together facilitating 200 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Wongawilli is deemed good, with residents generally residing 285 meters away from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Wongawilli residents commute outside the area, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 99%. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, a significant 31.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages 28 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 40 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Wongawilli's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Wongawilli. Based on AreaSearch's assessment, mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. The prevalence of common health conditions was also low.
Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,013 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.0 and 7.5% of residents respectively. A total of 79.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 6.7% of residents aged 65 and over (110 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 population, born in Australia, was 82.9%, with 92.3% being citizens and 85.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Wongawilli, with 64.2%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestries were Australian (29.2%), English (24.4%), and Other (7.8%).
Spanish representation was notably higher at 1.2% versus regional 0.3%. Macedonian and Serbian groups also showed higher percentages, 3.4% and 0.9%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Wongawilli hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
The median age in Wongawilli is 32 years, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional NSW, Wongawilli has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.3%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 65-74 increased from 2.6% to 4.3%, while the population aged 15-24 increased from 9.7% to 11.1%. Conversely, the population aged 0-4 decreased from 11.2% to 9.2% and the population aged 25-34 dropped from 19.5% to 17.9%. By 2041, Wongawilli is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 35-44 group projected to grow by 44%, reaching 440 people from 305.