Worrigee

Population growth drivers in Worrigee are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Worrigee's population is estimated at around 5,509 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 125 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,384 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,338, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 325 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Worrigee's 2.3% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,282 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 38.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Worrigee according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Worrigee had minimal residential development activity with 1 dwelling approval annually over the past five years (totaling 5 dwellings). This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It is important to note that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary significantly based on individual projects.

Compared to the Rest of NSW and national patterns, Worrigee has much lower development activity. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Worrigee is projected to add 2,111 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Worrigee has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are: New Primary School and Public Preschool in Worrigee (2023 completion), Worrigee Road Subdivision (commenced 2021, expected completion 2025), Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment (commenced June 2022), and Nowra East Public School Upgrade (scheduled for completion in late 2024). Below is a list of projects 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.

Employment performance in Worrigee has been broadly consistent with national averages

Worrigee's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of December 2025, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%.

Residents' employment participation rate was 67.4%, higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses in December 2025, 6.9% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety is particularly specialized, with an employment share twice the regional level (2.0 times).

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 1.2% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, while labour force rose by 2.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Worrigee's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Worrigee had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Worrigee was $52,760 and the average income stood at $64,978. These figures compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 respectively. Based on a 8.86% growth in wages as per the Wage Price Index from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,435 (median) and $70,735 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Worrigee ranked modestly, between the 35th and 40th percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 37.4% of locals (2,060 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which was similar to the regional average of 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Worrigee, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile.

Worrigee is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Worrigee, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Worrigee was 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented ones at 35.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Regional NSW's average. The median weekly rent figure was $390, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Worrigee's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 77.2% of all households, including 34.7% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Worrigee shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 14.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is high, with 33.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.7% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 74 active public transport stops in Worrigee, served by 18 routes offering 214 weekly passenger trips. These stops are predominantly bus services. Residents have excellent accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 124 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 96%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 6.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Worrigee is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant issues in Worrigee, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,899 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.3 and 9.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.9% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 12.5% of residents aged 65 and over (688 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Worrigee is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Worrigee's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.2% of its population being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Worrigee, making up 51.2% of people. However, Judaism shows notable overrepresentation, comprising 0.1% of the population compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.1%), English (29.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.0%). Some ethnic groups show significant divergences: Maltese is overrepresented at 0.8% in Worrigee versus 0.4% regionally, Korean at 0.2% versus 0.1%, and Welsh at 0.5% versus 0.5%.

Worrigee's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

The median age in Worrigee is 32 years, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and also substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Regional NSW, Worrigee has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 at 16.2%, but fewer residents aged 65-74 at 7.1%. Since the Census conducted in 2021, the age group of 25 to 34 years has grown from 14.3% to 16.2% of the population, while the age group of 35 to 44 years increased from 11.9% to 13.6%. Conversely, the age group of 65 to 74 years has declined from 8.2% to 7.1%. By the year 2041, Worrigee is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the leading demographic shift being a 50% increase in the age group of 25 to 34 years, reaching 1,339 people from the current figure of 892.