Willoughby

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

Willoughby's population is approximately 13,566 as of February 2026. This figure represents a rise of 570 individuals, an increase of 4.4%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 12,996. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,393 as of June 2024 and an additional 316 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 4,418 persons per square kilometer, placing Willoughby in the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Willoughby's growth rate of 4.4% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region's 5.8%, suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the national median, with Willoughby expected to expand by 785 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 4.5% 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 averaged approximately 156 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, totaling 784 homes. In FY26 so far, 13 dwellings have been approved. Over these five years, an average of 0.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $512,000, suggesting a focus on premium developments. This financial year, $25.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing balanced commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Willoughby has 89.0% higher new home approvals per person as of FY26, offering greater buyer choice despite recent slowing building activity. Nationally, this is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 10.0% detached houses and 90.0% townhouses or apartments, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This shift from the existing housing composition (60.0% houses) indicates decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. The area has approximately 439 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established status.

By 2041, Willoughby is projected to grow by 611 residents, with current construction levels expected to meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones include Aurora Willoughby, Heart Of Willoughby, Willoughby Grounds, and The Quarry Naremburn. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Willoughby recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Willoughby has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 5.5%. As of September 2025, there are 6,877 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 1.3% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 67.7%, below Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 62.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.6 times the regional level), finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance sectors. Construction employment is limited at 5.3%, compared to 8.6% regionally.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.9% while employment decreased by 1.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Willoughby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Willoughby SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $76,041 and an average income of $142,415. These figures place it in the top percentile nationally compared to Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $82,778 (median) and $155,033 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Willoughby's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 88th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 38.7% of residents earn over $4,000 (5,250 people), differing from metropolitan Sydney where 30.9% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Economic strength is evident with 48.6% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 95th percentile nationally. 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

Willoughby's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.9% houses and 40.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willoughby stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.1% and rented ones at 29.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,600, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Willoughby was $596, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Willoughby's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,600 vs the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.3% of all households, including 42.6% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 20.3% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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

Willoughby's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 52.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of educational attainment positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 34.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%).

Vocational pathways account for 20.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.2% and certificates 10.0%. Educational participation is high in Willoughby, 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 shows 74 active transport stops operating within Willoughby. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 63 individual routes that provide 3,607 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 134 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. The dominant mode of transport is car at 72%, followed by bus at 12% and walking at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 62.0% of residents work from home, which 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

Willoughby's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 84% of the total population (11,368 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 6.9 and 5.8% of residents respectively, while 75.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney.

Willoughby has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,298 people), 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.0% of its population born overseas and 29.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Willoughby, accounting for 52.6% of people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 0.9% of Willoughby's population versus 0.8%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (21.7%), Australian (20.2%), and Other (11.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.4%, Chinese at 11.4%, and Korean is slightly underrepresented at 0.9%.

Willoughby's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Willoughby's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and slightly above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Willoughby has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (16.1% locally) and a lower proportion of residents aged 25-34 (7.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.0% to 14.1%, while the 35-44 age group decreased from 15.8% to 14.3%. The 5-14 age group also dropped from 15.8% to 14.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Willoughby's age profile. The 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 32%, adding 362 residents and reaching a total of 1,497. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to contribute to 51% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.