Willoughby

Willoughby has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Willoughby's population is around 13,566 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 570 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,996 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,393 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 316 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,418 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Willoughby's 4.4% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 785 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Willoughby recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Willoughby has averaged around 156 new dwelling approvals per year, with 784 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 16 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $512,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $25.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Willoughby shows 89.0% higher new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 10.0% detached houses and 90.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 60.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 439 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Looking ahead, Willoughby is expected to grow by 611 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Willoughby has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Aurora Willoughby, Heart Of Willoughby, Willoughby Grounds, and The Quarry Naremburn, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Willoughby shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Willoughby features a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 5.1%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,886 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 62.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.3% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.2% combined with employment decreasing by 0.3%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.5 percentage points. This compares to Greater Sydney, where employment grew by 2.2%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Willoughby. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Willoughby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Willoughby SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $76,041 with the average level standing at $142,415. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $82,778 (median) and $155,033 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Willoughby, between the 88th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $4000+ bracket dominates with 38.7% of residents (5,250 people), differing from patterns across the metropolitan region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. Economic strength emerges through 48.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 95th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Willoughby displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Willoughby, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.9% houses and 40.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Willoughby was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 37.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.1%) or rented (29.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $3,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $596, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Willoughby's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Willoughby features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 77.3% of all households, comprising 42.6% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 20.3% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Willoughby demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Willoughby significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 52.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 34.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational pathways account for 20.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (10.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 74 active transport stops operating within Willoughby, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 63 individual routes, collectively providing 3,607 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 134 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 72%, with 12% by bus and 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling. A high 62.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 515 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Willoughby's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Willoughby, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 84% of the total population (11,368 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 6.9% and 5.8% of residents, respectively, while 75.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,298 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Willoughby was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Willoughby scores highly on cultural diversity, with 35.0% of its population born overseas and 29.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Willoughby is Christianity, which makes up 52.6% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Willoughby are English, comprising 21.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 11.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Willoughby (vs 0.7% regionally), Chinese at 11.4% (vs 8.4%) and Korean at 0.9% (vs 1.1%).

Willoughby's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 41 years, Willoughby's median age is significantly above the Greater Sydney average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (16.1% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.5%). Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 14.1% of the population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 14.3% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.8% to 14.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Willoughby's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 32%, adding 362 residents to reach 1,497. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 51% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.