Federal Electorate · Area profile
Whitlam
1,314 km²
Spanning over 1,300 square kilometres of the Wingecarribee region, Whitlam is a large, predominantly residential area with a population of 168,545. It is a place where people are generally older than the national average and many reside in large, detached family homes. The community has seen a significant increase in seniors and children since 2011, creating a demographic balance that leans toward both ends of the age spectrum. This blend of growing families and retirees shapes the area's quiet, suburban character.
63 schools within reach make Whitlam convenient for families.
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The typical resident is 41, making the area noticeably older than the national figure. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 21.2% of the population, a figure well above the national average that has risen steadily since 2011.
People born overseas make up 17.5% of the community, which is far below the New South Wales and national figures. This is a significant drop from 2011, when over a third of residents were born abroad.
English is the primary language for 84.9% of the population. Only 10.4% of people use another language at home, a rate far below the national average that has fallen since 2011.
Over half the population identifies as Christian, while 36.6% of residents report no religion. This last group has grown by 11 percentage points since 2011, though it remains a little below the national figure.
Education levels are lower than most similar areas, with 45% of residents completing Year 12, which is far below the national average. Only 16.6% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher.
Typical weekly household income is $1,603, which is a little below the national figure of $1,746. Both typical family and personal incomes have fallen since 2011.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 32.9% of people reporting a long-term health condition. Those needing help with daily activities make up 7% of the population, which is a little above the national average.
Unpaid work is common, with 23.9% of people doing 15 or more hours of housework weekly and 13.3% providing unpaid care. Both figures are much higher than in most similar areas.
Homes are larger than usual, with an average of 2.6 people per household. One-parent families make up 16% of the community, which is a little above the national average.
Separate houses dominate the landscape, making up 84.1% of all dwellings. The area has a high rate of home ownership, with 37.2% of homes owned outright, well above the national figure.
Cars are essential for most, as only 0.8% of people commute via public transport. However, working from home has become more common, rising to 19.7% since 2016.
The community is relatively stable, with 37.2% of people moving in the last five years, which is lower than the national average. Recent overseas arrivals are also among the lowest for this level at 5.6%.
Adults working or looking for work make up 56.9% of the population, which is well below the national figure. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about the same as the national average.
While 88.1% of homes are within a 10-minute walk of public transport, other amenities are harder to reach. Only about half of residents can walk to groceries within 15 minutes, and just 34.7% can walk to health services.