Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale's population is around 21,024 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 263 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,761. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,827 in June 2024 and an additional 112 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,332 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using 2021 as the base year are employed. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on latest annual ERP population numbers, a population increase of 1,406 persons is expected, reflecting a gain of approximately 5.8% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale has received approximately 79 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 397 homes. As of FY26, 29 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 0.2 new residents arrive per new home built each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand while supporting potential population growth. The average construction value for these properties is $431,000.

In comparison to the rest of NSW, Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale shows around 66% of the construction activity per capita and ranks in the 46th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strong demand for established properties. Recent construction consists of approximately 49% detached dwellings and 51% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the current housing pattern of 70% houses. This area has about 374 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established location with population forecasts expecting an increase of 1,209 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Population forecasts indicate Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale will gain 1,209 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Woonona Place, The Plaza Woonona Specialist Retail and Recreational Centre, MH Property Woonona-Bulli RSL Townhouse Development, and Bulli Bypass Feasibility Study, with the following list outlining those of greatest 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.

Employment conditions in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.7%. Over the past year, there has been relative employment stability.

There are 10,667 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.1% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 65.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 38.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Education & training has notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.3% of Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.4% and labour force by 0.3%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. 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 Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,691. The average income stood at $81,588. Nationally, these figures are extremely high, with Rest of NSW having median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,157 (median) and $88,817 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. Distribution data indicates that 27.8% of the population (5,844 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident through 31.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 64th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.8% houses and 30.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in the area was at 37.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.1% and rented dwellings at 23.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,349, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,349 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $390 than the national figure of $375.

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.2% of all households, including 36.7% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 30.3%, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 24.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.9% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 102 active transport stops operating within Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale. These comprise a mix of train and bus services, with 39 individual routes collectively providing 1,728 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 227 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 38.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 246 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale faces notable health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are significant across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population, which consists of 12,593 people, compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.4% of residents) and mental health issues (8.2%). Conversely, 67.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.6%, with 4,122 people, compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. However, health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale had a cultural diversity score below average, with 85.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.9% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 51.8% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.5%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notable differences included Welsh (0.9%, vs regional 0.5%), Dutch (1.7%, vs 1.0%), and Scottish (8.9%, vs 8.0%) populations.

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale's median age is 41 years, lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group makes up 13.4% of the population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.3% to 13.3%, and the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 12.7%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale's age profile by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 67%, adding 413 residents to reach a total of 1,032. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 52% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, populations in the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decline.