It is located west of the junction of the Pacific Highway and Newcastle Inner City Bypass, covering an area of 1.7 km2 (0.7 sq mi).

[3][8] Windale is a lower socio-economic area consisting largely of public housing homes, and has historically been known for its high rates of alcoholism, crime and unemployment, however recent local government efforts to regenerate the area have been somewhat successful.

[9][10] The suburb was listed as one of the most socially disadvantaged areas in the State according to the 2015 Dropping Off The Edge report.

At federal level, Windale is within the Division of Shortland, a safe seat for the Australian Labor Party.

[13] The Windale booth was won easily at the 2010 federal election by the Labor Party, with a two-party preferred vote of 81.60%.