Wheeler Heights (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Wheeler Heights has an estimated population of approximately 3,197 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 35 people (1.1%) from the 3,232 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is derived from the resident population of 3,197, calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS alongside 16 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 3,851 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top 10% of national areas analyzed by Districts, highlighting the high demand for local land. Throughout the past decade, the suburb of Wheeler Heights has shown steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, exceeding the SA3 average. Population expansion was driven almost entirely by overseas migration, which served as the exclusive contributor to population increases in recent times.

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Wheeler Heights features a highly educated workforce, with particularly strong representation in the technology industry, a low unemployment rate of 4.0%, and an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year, according to Districts statistical area data. In March 2026, 1,781 residents were employed, and the local unemployment rate was 0.1% lower than the 4.1% average for Greater Sydney. Labor force participation stands at 73.9%, compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that a substantial 41.1% of working residents operated from home, though this figure likely reflects the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

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According to Districts' analysis of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023, the median taxpayer income in Wheeler Heights was $60,344, with the average income recorded at $93,611. These figures place the area among the highest-earning brackets in the nation, compared to Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average). Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $66,572 for the median and $103,272 for the average. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Wheeler Heights are elevated, ranking between the 81st and 96th percentiles nationwide. Income distribution statistics show that the weekly earnings bracket of $4000+ includes 32.2% of the local population ( individuals), whereas the wider region has of its population concentrated in the - range. Local economic strength is highlighted by the of households earning more than weekly, which supports strong local spending power. High housing costs account for of household income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, with the area's SEIFA income score placing it in the th decile.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Wheeler Heights consisted of 91.2% standalone houses and 8.8% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across the Sydney metropolitan area. The home ownership rate was notably higher than the metropolitan average at 35.4%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (49.4%) or rented (15.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area stood at $3,198, while the median weekly rent was $750, compared to metropolitan averages of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Wheeler Heights are considerably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are significantly above the national benchmark of $375.

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Family units constitute the vast majority of households at 86.6%, consisting of couples with children at 55.6%, couples without children at 22.4%, and single parent households at 8.1%. Non-family households represent the remaining 13.4%, with single-person households making up 11.3% and group households accounting for 1.6%. The median household size of 3.2 individuals is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The locality presents educational opportunities, as its university qualification rate of 29.8% is considerably lower than the SA4 regional average of 41.5%. This difference highlights a key area for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these areas, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.2%) and certificate level qualifications (23.7%).

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Public transport analysis identifies 24 active transit stops operating in Wheeler Heights, offering a selection of bus services. These stops are connected by 27 separate routes, which combine to support 1,127 passenger trips weekly. Transport accessibility is highly rated, with residents living an average of 147 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most residents travel elsewhere for work, with private cars remaining the primary choice of travel at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 cars per home, which is above the regional average. A high 41.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 pandemic guidelines).

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Health indicators show excellent outcomes in Wheeler Heights, based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, which reveals a low rate of common health conditions across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 64% of the population (2,040 people). This compares to a rate of 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a nationwide average of 55.7%.

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Wheeler Heights displays above-average cultural diversity, with 9.8% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 23.4% born outside Australia. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 54.2% of the population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age in Wheeler Heights is 40, which is slightly higher than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and marginally above the national median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Sydney, the 45 - 54 age group is highly represented at 16.2% locally, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 8.0%. Since 2021, the 55 to 64 bracket has expanded from 11.0% to 12.6% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 13.4% to 14.6%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 17.3% to 16.2%. Demographic projections suggest the age profile of Wheeler Heights will shift significantly by . The to age cohort is expected to grow by people (), rising from to . Combined, the + age groups will represent of total population growth, showing an aging population trend. Meanwhile, the to and to age groups are projected to experience population decreases.

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Wheeler Heights currently has an estimated 198 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 94 children aged 0-2 and 63 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 160 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 235. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.2 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.