West Wollongong (NSW)

Detail

Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the wider region and addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of West Wollongong has an estimated population of 5,509 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 286 residents (5.5%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 5,223 individuals. This change is calculated using a resident count of 5,506, projected by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside 44 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 2,648 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of all locations analysed nationally by Districts. The 5.5% expansion rate in the suburb of West Wollongong since the 2021 Census outpaced both the SA3 region (4.7%) and the Rest of NSW, establishing the suburb as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic growth was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 87.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

Detail

The suburb of West Wollongong possesses a highly educated labor force with a strong representation in crucial service sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and an estimated job growth rate of 2.1% over the prior year, based on statistical data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, there were 2,930 employed locals, while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%. Workforce participation is notably elevated at 67.3% compared to the 60.6% recorded across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents, 33.0%, worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

Detail

Based on the aggregation of postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023 by Districts, taxpayers in the suburb of West Wollongong recorded a median income of $51,236 and an average income of $68,778. These figures are slightly higher than the national average, and compare to median and average levels of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively across Regional NSW. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at approximately $56,524 for the median and $75,876 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of West Wollongong are moderate, positioning between the 40th and 45th percentiles nationally. The statistics show that 30.9% of the local population (1,702 people) earn within the $1,500 - bracket, which closely matches the broader region where of people fall into this range. Housing affordability is a significant concern, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile, while the SEIFA income index ranks the area in the th decile.

Detail

According to the latest Census, residential properties in the suburb of West Wollongong consisted of 63.1% standalone houses and 37.0% alternative housing types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other structures, compared to Regional NSW where houses comprised 82.6% and other dwellings made up 17.4%. Home ownership rates in the suburb of West Wollongong trail the regional average, standing at 31.0%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (32.3%) or tenants (36.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment was notably higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, coming in at $2,123, while the median weekly rental cost was $370 compared to Regional NSW's $330. On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb of West Wollongong are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, whereas rental costs are slightly below the national median of $375.

Detail

Families represent the majority of local households at 64.7%, which consists of 30.9% couples raising children, 22.1% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent households. The remaining 35.3% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 27.4% and group shared housing accounting for 7.8% of the total. The median household size stands at 2.5 residents, which is slightly higher than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Detail

Academic credentials in the suburb of West Wollongong are notably higher than broader geographic levels, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. This educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Practical and technical skills are also common, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (21.7%).

Detail

Public transport services in the suburb of West Wollongong include 60 active stops consisting of bus options. These stops are served by 55 separate routes, which provide a total of 1,615 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 109 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential character, most working residents travel out of the suburb for employment, and private vehicles remain the primary transit mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars per home, which is below the regional benchmark. A high proportion of residents, 33.0%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era workplace restrictions.

Detail

Public health metrics reveal positive statistics for residents in the suburb of West Wollongong, with Districts analysis of mortality rates and chronic illnesses showing results that are generally in line with national averages, showing typical frequencies of common ailments across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 54% of the population (~2,982 people) holding a policy, compared to 51.9% throughout Regional NSW.

Detail

The suburb of West Wollongong displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most regional property markets, with 25.6% of residents born outside Australia and 22.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 52.5% of the population. The most prominent statistical variance is the Islamic community, which accounts for 4.5% of residents, compared to 0.8% in Regional NSW.

Detail

With a median age of 34, the suburb of West Wollongong is significantly younger than the Regional NSW average of 43 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, the 15 - 24 age bracket is highly represented at 18.9% locally, while residents aged 65 - 74 are underrepresented at 6.5%. The proportion of 15 - 24 year-olds is also well above the national level of 12.7%. Since 2021, younger residents have driven the median age down by 1.0 years to 34. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age bracket expanded from 13.6% to 17.3% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group grew from to . Conversely, the to group shrank from to and children aged to declined from to . Demographic projections for suggest major shifts in the age profile of the suburb of West Wollongong. Leading this change, the to cohort is projected to expand by ( people), increasing from to individuals, whereas the to group is forecast to grow by only ( people).

Detail

West Wollongong currently has an estimated 308 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 165 children aged 0-2 and 110 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 2% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 50% by 2041 (to approximately 463 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 451. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.