Willoughby
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Willoughby's population is around 13,473 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 477 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,996. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,392 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 290 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,388 persons per square kilometer, placing Willoughby in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 3.7% growth since census positions it within 1.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.4%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of national areas, with the area expected to expand by 785 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 5.2% 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 per year. Between FY21 and FY25784 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 0.3 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes was $512,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $25.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Willoughby has 89.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This is well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 10.0% detached houses and 90.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the existing housing composition of 60.0% houses.

This trend provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location has approximately 439 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Looking ahead to 2041, Willoughby is expected to grow by 704 residents. 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include Heart Of Willoughby, Willoughby Grounds, Aurora Willoughby, and Flo Northbridge by WINIM. The following list details those likely 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 significant representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 5.4%.

In this month, 6824 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation stands at 64.5%, slightly above Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment in Willoughby is concentrated in professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance sectors. The area has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has limited presence with only 5.3% employment compared to the regional average of 8.6%. Over the year ending June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, accompanied by a 2.7% decrease in employment, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% and labour force expansion of 2.9%, with the unemployment rate rising by just 0.3 percentage points. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, industry-specific projections suggest Willoughby's local growth could be approximately 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation using its current employment mix.

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 ATO data released for financial year 2022, Willoughby had a median income among taxpayers of $73,437. The average income stood at $151,799. Nationally, this places Willoughby in the top percentile. Comparing to Greater Sydney's levels of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income are approximately $82,697 as of September 2025. Average income estimates stand at $170,941 during the same period. Census 2021 data shows household, family and personal incomes in Willoughby rank between the 89th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 38.7% of residents (5,214 people) fall into the $40,000+ bracket, differing from metropolitan patterns where the $15,000 - $29,999 bracket dominates with 30.9%. Economic strength is evident through 48.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, however strong earnings place disposable income at the 95th percentile. 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

In Willoughby, as per the latest Census, 59.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 40.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Sydney metro's 41.1% houses and 58.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willoughby stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged properties at 33.1% and rented dwellings at 29.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,600, higher than Sydney metro's average of $3,033. Median weekly rent in Willoughby was $596, compared to Sydney metro's $560. Nationally, Willoughby's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 20.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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% have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (34.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational pathways account for 20.2%, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 10.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 6.4% in tertiary education. Willoughby's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,244 students as of the latest data. The area's educational performance is exceptional (ICSEA: 1152), indicating local schools are among the most advantaged nationally. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (16.7 places per 100 residents vs 11.9 regionally), suggesting Willoughby serves as an educational hub for the broader area.

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

Transport analysis shows 68 active transport stops operating within Willoughby as of August 2021. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 63 individual routes. They collectively facilitate 3,447 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 134 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 492 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 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 demonstrates excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence rates for common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 87% of Willoughby's total population of 11,694 has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 78.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.9%) and arthritis (5.8%), with 75.9% of residents reporting no medical ailments.

This compares to 78.0% across Greater Sydney. As of 16th June, 2021, Willoughby has 2,236 residents aged 65 and over, comprising 16.6% of the population. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with the overall population's health profile.

Willoughby is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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 main religion in Willoughby, comprising 52.6% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 0.9% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.7%), Australian (20.2%), and Other (11.8%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.4%, Chinese is underrepresented at 11.4% compared to the regional figure of 17.1%, and Korean is underrepresented at 0.9%.

Willoughby's median age exceeds the national pattern

Willoughby's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, Willoughby has an over-representation of the 45-54 cohort at 16.3% and an under-representation of the 25-34 cohort at 7.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.0% to 13.5%, while the 35 to 44 cohort declined from 15.8% to 14.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Willoughby's age profile, with the 65 to 74 cohort projected to grow by 34%, adding 378 residents to reach 1,497. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.