Census results show how Wagga residents compare to the national "average"

Despite concerns that widespread online issues would hamper the collection of data in the latest Census, the Bureau of Statistics says the final response rate for the 2016 national survey was 95.1 per cent, comparable to the response to the 2006 and 2011 results.

The Census has officially listed the population of Wagga at 62,385, an increase of 4.9 per cent on the 2011 figure. Women make up 51.1 per cent of this population.

The average age of a Wagga resident is 35, younger than the national average of 38. In both this region and nationally, there are more women than men, the 2016 Census figures reveal.

Wagga Mayor believes the Census information paints a positive picture of the city.

“With our population growing steadily and the right ingredients such as low employment in place to attract new residents, as a council we need to make sure that when people get here, they stay,” Cr Conkey said.

A breakdown of home ownership showed a fairly even split, with 6540 houses – or 29.2 per cent of private dwellings – owned outright, 7484 (33.4 per cent) owned with a mortgage and 7503 (33.5 percent) rented.

Renters are paying an average of $265 a week, compared to the $380 average for NSW and $335 nationally.

Family households numbered 15,570 or 69.5 per cent of homes, with single person households at 5880 or 26.3 per cent and groups numbering 945 or 4.2 per cent.

The average personal income in Wagga is $696, higher than both the NSW average of $664 and $662 national figure.

For households, the Wagga average weekly income was $1354, down on the NSW figure of $1486 and $1438 nationally.

Wagga mortgage statistics showed 4.9 per cent of the city’s households had repayments greater than a third of household income, well down on the NSW average of 7.4 per cent.

“Those of us that live here already know what a wonderful place Wagga is whether you are looking to establish a career start an innovative business, raise a family or retire, and the 2016 Census data confirms that,” Cr Conkey said.

The Census also revealed 10,861 people in Wagga do voluntary work. As a percentage, that 21.9, which is up on the NSW average of 18.1 per cent.

“Another indicator of our wonderful sense of community is that more than 10,000 people volunteer their time through a group or organisation, which is higher than the state and national average.

“This date will further help council staff analyse the changing face of Wagga and allow councillors to make decisions that benefit our community and continues to enhance our city’s livability.”

The Census gave other insights into the lives of Wagga residents.

In 79.6 per cent of households, the internet was accessed, slightly down on the national rate of 83.2 per cent.

At 37.8 per cent of houses in Wagga, there are two registered cars, while a further 34.1 per cent had only one car and 5.9 per cent had none.

“I look forward to the full release of results in October this year,” Cr Conkey said.