NSW · Wollongong Council

Stanwell Tops, 2508

Est. population · Jun 2025

519

Growth (1 yr)

+0.4%

Growth (5 yr)

-0.2%

Median age

38

Median income

$2,663/wk

Employment rate

63.5%

Median house price · October to December 2025

$1,415,000

Languages at home

3.2%non-English

Mostly English at home

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

38.9/100
Below average

1218th in NSW

Verified 89% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Coastal
  • Excellent transport
  • Education hub
  • Heritage area
  • High desirability
What Stanwell Tops is known for: Coastal, Excellent transport, Education hub, Heritage area, High desirability

Suburb profile

Life in Stanwell Tops revolves around the coast, with the feel of a smaller community that never strays far from the water. Neighbouring pockets and the city remain accessible for work, dining and weekends away from the beach. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street.

Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. Strong connections via buses keep the wider area accessible. Homes cost more here than in most comparable suburbs.

The streetscape feels settled and established, with older homes giving the area a familiar, lived-in look.

The overall desirability read is below average, pulled by softer growth momentum and safety compared with similar coastal suburbs, though community and employment, plus schools and education remain brighter spots. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Stanwell Tops snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

$1.42M

+4.8% change

Median rent

$765/wk

Population (ERP)

519

+0.4% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

4.7%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#32

among Coastal & beach · Established

Safety

4th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

46th

percentile in NSW

Advantage (IRSAD)

10/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

87th

percentile among schools with ICSEA

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
38.9/100 — Below average
National rank
3965th in Australia
State rank
1218th in NSW
Peer rank
#32 among Coastal & beach · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#120 among Coastal & beach suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability indexSuburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

Houses (January to March 2026)
$795
Median house price (October to December 2025)
$1,415,000
Median price change
+4.8%

Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

519(June 2025)

+0.4% annual · -0.2% over 5 years · 46th percentile in NSW

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.4%
5-year growth
-0.2%
Change in 1 year
+2
Change in 5 years
-1
Growth rank in NSW
46th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~550), extrapolated at +0.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
517
Median age
38
Median household income / week
$2,663
Dwelling vacancy
4.7%
Unoccupied private dwellings
8 of 172
Median monthly mortgage
$2,625
Employment rate
63.5%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
164 / 0 / 4

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community ProfileAustralian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident PopulationAustralian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community ProfileAustralian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
12
Against the person
4
Against property
4
Rate per 1,000 residents
23.1
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 129 residents
State safety percentile
4.3th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+9.4%

Most common offence types

  • Breach Apprehended Violence Order28
  • Domestic Violence Related Assault19
  • Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment40
  • Malicious Damage To Property27
  • Steal From Motor Vehicle19

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

  • BOCSAR postcode crime statisticsNSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated · Rolling 12-month windows

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
1
Median school ICSEA
1,112
Median ICSEA percentile
87th
School list
  • Stanwell Park Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1112 · 87th percentile · LBOTE 16% · 150 students · Top SEA quarter 47% · 1.4 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

20 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Annesley Av At Stirling St
  • Bald Hill Lookout
  • Bendena Gardens At Plateau Rd
  • Bendena Gardens At Stonehaven Rd
  • Stonehaven Rd At Annesley Av

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

  • Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0)Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · current · Updated · Nightly GTFS feed

Amenities

29 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

1 playgrounds · 2 swimming pools

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • A car helps for daily errands
  • Great for outdoor family life2 parks mapped in suburb, 1 playgrounds nearby
  • Well connected by public transport20 public transport stops
Walkability proxy
30/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
3.87
Sport & outdoors(6)
  • Henry Hallorhan ParkPark
  • The Tops Conference CentrePark
  • Picnic area
  • Playground
  • Swimming pool (2)
Entertainment(5)
  • Viewpoint (5)
Transport(5)

5 bus stops

Other(4)
  • Bench (5)
  • Tumbling Waters RetreatGuest House
  • Information (2)
  • Parking (5)

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insightsSuburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenitiesOpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Parks & reserves

2 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Henry Hallorhan ParkPark
  • The Tops Conference CentrePark

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
2
Parks (OSM)
2

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Nearest hospital
Coledale Hospital (7.4 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
11
Participants per 1,000 residents
21.2

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
25° / 17°
Rainfall
321 mm · ~40 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
22° / 14°
Rainfall
359 mm · ~45 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
17° / 8°
Rainfall
263 mm · ~33 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
21° / 12°
Rainfall
242 mm · ~30 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normalsWorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.

2026· 1 proposal
  • March 2026

  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    185 ANNESLEY AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Pending Court Appeal
2025· 4 proposals
  • December 2025

  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool
    39 ANNESLEY AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space
    30 SOUTHVIEW AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • July 2025

  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    1 PLATEAU ROAD STANWELL TOPS 2508Withdrawn
  • June 2025

  • Hotel or motel accommodation; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia
    31 STONEHAVEN ROAD STANWELL TOPS 2508Under Assessment
2024· 3 proposals
  • December 2024

  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    5 PLATEAU ROAD STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • October 2024

  • Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)
    10 LONGVIEW CRESCENT STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • March 2024

  • Advertising and signage; Function centre; Recreation facility (outdoor)
    51 BENDENA GARDENS STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
2023· 5 proposals
  • August 2023

  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    32 STONEHAVEN ROAD STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • May 2023

  • Pools / decks / fencing; Alterations and additions to residential development
    6A LONGVIEW CRESCENT STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • Dwelling; Pools / decks / fencing
    18 PLATEAU ROAD STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • April 2023

  • Balconies, decks, patios, terraces or verandahs
    17 SOUTHVIEW AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • March 2023

  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    22 BENDENA GARDENS STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
2022· 5 proposals
  • November 2022

  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    22 BENDENA GARDENS STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    16 PLATEAU ROAD STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • September 2022

  • Bed and breakfast accommodation
    31 STONEHAVEN ROAD, STANWELL TOPSWithdrawn
  • April 2022

  • Balconies, decks, patios, terraces or verandahs; Demolition
    31 STONEHAVEN ROAD STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • March 2022

  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    22 LONGVIEW CRESCENT STANWELL TOPS 2508Withdrawn
2021· 7 proposals
  • November 2021

  • Secondary dwelling; Alterations and additions to residential development
    22 LONGVIEW CRESCENT STANWELL TOPS 2508Withdrawn
  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    6 ANNESLEY AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • September 2021

  • Garages, carports and car parking spaces
    26 longview crescent, stanwell topsDetermined
  • Pools / decks / fencing; Earthworks / change in levels; Retaining walls, protection of trees
    22 SOUTHVIEW AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Withdrawn
  • August 2021

  • Balconies, decks, patios, terraces or verandahs; Alterations and additions to residential development; Garages, carports and car parking spaces
    34 LONGVIEW CRESCENT STANWELL TOPS 2508Withdrawn
  • June 2021

  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    38 ANNESLEY AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • March 2021

  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    5 PLATEAU ROAD STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
2020· 4 proposals
  • November 2020

  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    17 ANNESLEY AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • October 2020

  • Balconies, decks, patios, terraces or verandahs; Demolition; Alterations and additions to residential development; Retaining walls, protection of trees
    34 LONGVIEW CRESCENT STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • September 2020

  • Alterations and additions to residential development; Garages, carports and car parking spaces
    26 LONGVIEW CRESCENT STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined
  • Alterations and additions to residential development
    38 ANNESLEY AVENUE STANWELL TOPS 2508Determined

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

1 heritage place

  • Otford railway tunnel (former)Illawarra Railway, OtfordSHR

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage registerState heritage authority · current · Updated

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlaysState government hazard layers · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Cunningham
Member of Parliament
Alison BYRNES (Australian Labor Party)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
132,139
Turnout (2025)
92.4%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
+2.5 pp toward Labor

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 32.5%Labor 67.5%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 12.1 km away).

Coalition 32.4%Labor 67.6%

0.1 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +1.7 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • Stanwell ParkLabor 67.9% · Coalition 32.1% TPP (2025)1.2 km away
  • HelensburghLabor 61.9% · Coalition 38.1% TPP (2025)3.6 km away
  • Helensburgh NorthLabor 67.0% · Coalition 33.0% TPP (2025)4.1 km away
  • WombarraLabor 73.0% · Coalition 27.0% TPP (2025)6.3 km away
  • ColedaleLabor 69.9% · Coalition 30.1% TPP (2025)8.2 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
10/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

More in Wollongong Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.

Stanwell Tops, NSW 2508 profile | Suburb Guide