Willoughby

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

According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count in Willoughby stands at approximately 14,342 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,346 people (10.4%) from the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 12,996 people. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 13,771 from June 2025 alongside 454 validated new addresses identified since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 4,671 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality within the top 10% of all areas analyzed by AreaSearch nationwide and highlighting the competitive demand for local land. The area's 10.4% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA4 region (5.9%) and the state, establishing it as a local growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 83.1% of the total population increase during recent timeframes, though interstate migration and natural increase also made positive contributions.

AreaSearch utilizes projections for each SA2 region published by the ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 areas where this dataset is unavailable, projections from the NSW State Government released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are substituted. Age bracket growth trends derived from these sources are projected forward to the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic outlooks point to a rate of population growth positioned slightly below the national median, with the local population projected to increase by 790 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a long-term expansion of 1.5% over the 16 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 averages approximately 156 residential building approvals annually, with a total of 784 dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 29 approvals registered during FY-26 to date. Given that only 0.7 people moved to the neighborhood for every new home constructed over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the volume of housing supply is keeping pace with or running ahead of demand, offering buyers more choices and allowing for population gains that could exceed baseline forecasts. Newly approved dwellings carry an average estimated construction cost of $512,000, which points to developers focusing their activity on high-end, premium builds. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $25.2 million this financial year, showing ongoing investment in the local business sector.

Relative to Greater Sydney, Willoughby generates 91.0% more residential building activity per capita, ensuring a wide selection for prospective purchasers despite a recent moderation in construction volume. This building rate is substantially higher than the national benchmark, demonstrating clear developer interest. Approved construction is composed of 10.0% detached houses and 90.0% medium-to-high density formats like townhouses and apartments. This concentration on denser housing options creates more affordable points of entry and holds strong appeal for downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. This represents a clear shift from the current housing stock (where houses make up 60.0%), reflecting a scarcity of vacant land, shifting lifestyle habits, and affordability pressures. The ratio of 451 people per approved dwelling indicates a highly developed, stable market.

Projections indicate that Willoughby will add 219 residents by 2041, based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimation. At the current pace of construction, incoming residential supply is well-positioned to satisfy demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially facilitating growth above current population forecasts.

Willoughby has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and urban planning decisions are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include Aurora Willoughby, Heart Of Willoughby, Willoughby Grounds, and The Quarry Naremburn, with the primary projects of local relevance listed below.

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

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Employment performance in Willoughby has been broadly consistent with national averages

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, with a strong concentration of workers in the technology sector, a local unemployment rate of 4.2%, and an estimated job growth rate of 2.0% over the prior year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 6,967, with the unemployment rate closely matching the 4.1% recorded across Greater Sydney, while the participation rate lagged slightly behind at 65.4% compared to the metropolitan average of 69.1%. Census data indicates that a high proportion of employed residents (62.0%) worked from home, though this figure likely reflects the influence of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Resident employment is heavily weighted toward professional & technical services, financial & insurance services, and health care & social assistance. Local specialization is particularly pronounced in professional & technical services, where the concentration of jobs is 1.6 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, construction jobs are underrepresented, accounting for 5.3% of employment compared to 8.6% across the region. The comparison between the number of local jobs and the size of the resident workforce suggests that this predominantly residential suburb offers limited employment opportunities within its own boundaries.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the year ending March 2026, the count of employed residents rose by 2.0% and the total labor force grew by 1.4%, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. Over the same period in Greater Sydney, employment increased by 1.9%, the labor force grew by 1.9%, and unemployment saw a minor reduction. Future local demand patterns can be contextualized using national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local industry mix to estimate future trends. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary by industry. Projecting these national sectoral trends onto the local workforce profile suggests employment in Willoughby could grow by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local population growth forecasts).

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

AreaSearch's analysis of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the financial year 2023 indicates that taxpayers in the Willoughby SA2 recorded a median income of $76,041 and an average income of $142,415. These figures sit within the top national percentile and compare to median and average figures of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $83,888 (median) and $157,112 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes in Willoughby are highly positioned, placing between the 88th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows a dominant high-income segment, with 38.7% of residents (5,550 people) in the $4000+ weekly bracket, contrasting with the wider metropolitan pattern where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is largest at 30.9%. This economic strength is reflected in the 48.6% of households earning more than $3,000 weekly, which supports local retail spending. High housing costs account for 15.7% of household income, but strong overall earnings keep disposable income levels at the 95th percentile, placing the area in the 10th decile of the SEIFA index.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Willoughby consisted of 59.9% detached houses and 40.2% multi-unit dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other formats), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across Greater Sydney. Home ownership rates in the area were notably higher than the metropolitan average at 37.2%, with remaining households holding a mortgage (33.1%) or renting (29.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $3,600 and the median weekly rent of $596 were both significantly higher than the respective Sydney metropolitan figures of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, Willoughby's mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are similarly well above the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households in the area at 77.3%, consisting of couples with children (42.6%), couples without children (22.4%), and single-parent households (11.1%). Non-family households account for the remaining 22.7%, consisting of single-person households at 20.3% and group housing arrangements at 2.5%. The median household size of 2.8 persons is slightly 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

Residents of Willoughby exhibit high levels of educational attainment, with 52.4% of those aged 15 and over holding a university qualification, compared to national and state averages of 30.4% and 32.2% respectively. This educational profile positions the workforce well for knowledge-intensive industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 34.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 20.2% of residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (10.0%).

Enrolment rates in formal education are high, with 32.8% of the local population currently studying. This student population includes 12.0% attending primary school, 9.1% in secondary education, and 6.4% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport infrastructure in the area includes 74 active transport stops, serviced by bus routes. A total of 63 routes run through the suburb, providing 3,607 passenger journeys each week. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 134 meters from the nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area. Private vehicles remain the primary mode of travel at 72%, followed by bus transit at 12% and walking at 7%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars per household. A high proportion of residents (62.0%) worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related working conditions.

Public transport services average 515 trips per day across all local routes, which represents approximately 48 weekly departures for each individual transit stop.

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

Health indicators for Willoughby show strong results, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, which reveal low rates of common illnesses across all age brackets. The rate of private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 84% of the population (12,018 people) covered, compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and arthritis are the most common chronic conditions reported locally, affecting 6.9% and 5.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 75.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Residents aged 65 and older make up 16.5% of the local population (2,366 people), which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 15.5%. Seniors in the area display positive health outcomes, with national health rankings aligning closely with the broader local 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 displays notable cultural diversity, with overseas-born residents making up 35.0% of the population and 29.2% of households speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, represented by 52.6% of residents. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is among those identifying as Jewish, who comprise 0.9% of the population compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

The top three reported ancestries in the area are English at 21.7%, Australian at 20.2%, and Other at 11.8%. There are also distinct differences in the representation of other ethnic backgrounds, with Croatian backgrounds overrepresented at 1.4% (compared to 0.7% regionally), Chinese backgrounds at 11.4% (compared to 8.4%), and Korean backgrounds at 0.9% (compared to 1.1% regionally).

Willoughby's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Willoughby is 41 years, which is higher than the metropolitan Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38. The 45 - 54 age bracket is overrepresented locally at 16.2% of the population, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are underrepresented at 8.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.0% to 14.4%, while the 35 to 44 age bracket decreased from 15.8% to 14.1% and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 15.8% to 14.6%. Population modeling suggests the local age distribution will shift by 2041, with the 65 to 74 cohort projected to grow by 28% (adding 328 residents to total 1,500). Residents aged 65 and over are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, while decreases are projected in the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.