West Wallsend (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the broader district alongside new address data verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of West Wallsend has an estimated population of 3,047 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 66 individuals (2.2%) compared to the 2,981 residents documented in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is based on a resident population of 3,046, calculated by Districts using the ABS Estimated Resident Population numbers from June 2025 and 10 newly verified residential addresses since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 174 residents per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with substantial room for future expansion. Over the last ten years, the suburb of West Wallsend has shown stable development with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%, exceeding the SA3 region. Demographic gains in the area were mostly driven by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 82.0% of the overall population rise during recent timeframes.

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The local workforce is evenly distributed between professional and trade occupations, with solid representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 3.0% according to aggregated statistical data from Districts. As of March 2026, there are 1,589 employed residents, and the local jobless rate is 1.1% lower than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%. Workforce participation is unusually high at 66.3%, compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates a moderate 16.8% of employed locals worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

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The most recent ATO postcode data for the 2023 financial year indicates that local incomes are below national benchmarks, with a median income of $52,545 and an average income of $59,444. This is lower than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $57,968 for the median and $65,579 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes are modest, sitting between the 41st and 43rd percentiles. The largest income group comprises 33.9% of residents (1,032 individuals) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, which aligns with regional patterns where 29.9% of the population falls into this bracket. Housing affordability presents a major challenge, with residents retaining only of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the st percentile.

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According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consists of 95.3% separate houses and 4.6% other options like townhouses, apartments, and semi-detached properties, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings across Regional NSW. Home ownership rates stand at 30.7%, which is lower than the Regional NSW average, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (49.5%) or tenants (19.8%). Median monthly mortgage costs are higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, coming in at $1,863, while the median weekly rent of $400 also exceeds the regional average of $330. On a national level, mortgage repayments match the Australian average of $1,863, whereas weekly rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up 74.7% of all local households, consisting of couples with children (31.0%), couples without children (31.3%), and single-parent households (11.8%). Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.3%, made up of single-person households (21.7%) and group shared households (3.3%). The median household size is 2.6 residents, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Tertiary education rates are low, with only 13.0% of residents holding a university qualification, compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.6%. Technical and trade qualifications are highly represented, with 46.5% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational training, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (36.3%).

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Public transport options include 28 active stops within the suburb of West Wallsend, consisting of bus services. These stops accommodate 28 separate bus routes, providing a total of 491 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is strong, with the average distance to the nearest stop standing at 164 meters. The suburb is primarily a residential commuter area, with 94% of workers using a private car to travel. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. Approximately 16.8% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic conditions.

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Mortality data and chronic illness rates indicate notable health concerns, with common conditions present across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 50% of the population (~1,537 individuals) holding policies, compared to a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with 92.9% of the population born in Australia, 93.4% holding citizenship, and 97.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 50.6% of residents. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of 36 years in the suburb of West Wallsend is lower than the Regional NSW median of 43 years, and slightly below the Australian average of 38 years. Young adults aged 25 to 34 are highly represented at 16.7% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 bracket is less common at 9.2%. Post-Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has expanded from 6.4% to 8.6% of the population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.5%, and the 55 to 64 cohort fell from 10.5% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest the to group will grow by ( individuals) to reach people, up from . Conversely, the to age group is expected to decrease by individuals.

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West Wallsend currently has an estimated 234 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 120 children aged 0-2 and 80 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 28% by 2041 (to approximately 299 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 283. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.