Wollongong (NSW)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the wider region, alongside verified addresses from Districts since the Census, the suburb of Wollongong has an estimated population of 23,221 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,775 residents (13.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 20,446 individuals. This adjustment is derived from a resident headcount of 23,210, calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS, plus 841 validated new addresses since the Census. This population scale translates to a density of 4,031 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality within the highest 10% of national areas analyzed by Districts, highlighting local land as a highly coveted asset. The 13.6% growth rate in the suburb of Wollongong since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region (4.7%) and the Rest of NSW, positioning it as a key growth area. Recent population expansion was chiefly fueled by overseas arrivals, who accounted for approximately of the overall demographic increase.

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The suburb of Wollongong features a highly skilled labor force with strong representation in critical services, an unemployment rate of 6.7%, and a 3.3% rise in estimated jobs over the prior year, based on Districts statistical aggregations. By March 2026, working residents numbered 13,341, though the unemployment rate was 2.6% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, and labor participation stood well above average (66.6% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Census responses indicated that a substantial 33.9% of the workforce operated from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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According to the most recent postcode ATO data released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Wollongong earn a median income of $50,083 and an average income of $68,445. These figures align closely with national benchmarks, compared to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting for a 10.32% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at approximately $55,252 for the median and $75,509 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals personal earnings sit at the 56th percentile ($836 per week), while household earnings rank at the 38th percentile. Income segmentation shows that 33.4% of the population (7,755 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - weekly bracket, mirroring regional trends where are in the same band. Household budget stress is pronounced, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the locality in the th decile.

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At the most recent Census, the distribution of housing types in the suburb of Wollongong was 13.9% standalone houses and 86.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% alternative dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Wollongong lagged the regional average, standing at 25.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (18.4%) or tenants (56.5%). Median monthly mortgage costs in the locality were notably higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, coming in at $1,950, while median weekly rent was recorded at $410 compared to $330 regionally. On a national level, mortgage costs exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are higher than the countrywide figure of $375.

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Families make up 50.8% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 12.6%, couples without children at 29.6%, and single parents at 7.2%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 49.2%, with single-person living arrangements at 37.4% and shared households accounting for 11.8% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.0 residents is below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Academic achievement in the suburb of Wollongong is substantially higher than regional averages, with 40.7% of residents aged 15 and older 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 locality well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the most common credential at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Technical qualifications are also common, with 29.2% of residents aged 15 and older possessing vocational training, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (19.2%).

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Public transit networks include 117 active train and bus stops within the suburb of Wollongong. These access points are serviced by 85 distinct routes, which combine to support 6,497 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is highly rated, with residents living an average of 128 meters from their nearest transit stop. The locality is primarily residential, and most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 74%, followed by walking at 15%. Average household vehicle ownership stands at 0.8 cars, which is below the regional norm. A high proportion of residents, 33.9%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related travel patterns.

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Medical indicators point to positive trends for residents of the suburb of Wollongong, with Districts evaluations of mortality and illness rates aligning closely with national standards. The prevalence of standard medical issues remains typical across both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively high at approximately 54% of the population (~12,537 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW.

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The suburb of Wollongong shows greater cultural variety than most regional property markets, with 33.7% of residents born abroad and 28.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 45.6% of the population. The most prominent statistical divergence is in Islamic adherence, which accounts for 4.6% of residents, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

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Having a median age of 34, the suburb of Wollongong is notably younger than Regional NSW at 43 and the Australian average of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, there is a strong concentration of residents aged 25 - 34, who make up 27.6% of the local population, while children aged 5 - 14 are underrepresented at 4.3%. The 25 - 34 cohort size is also well above the national share of 14.6%. Since 2021, younger residents have driven the median age down by 1.3 years to 34. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age bracket rose from 23.9% to 27.6% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 10.9% to . Conversely, the to group decreased from to , while the to group fell from to . Projections for indicate significant demographic shifts, led by the to age bracket, which is expected to expand by ( people), rising from to .

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Wollongong currently has an estimated 882 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 522 children aged 0-2 and 348 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 17% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 76% by 2041 (to approximately 1,551 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 947. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.