Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of Aug 2025, Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale's population is around 20,846, reflecting an increase of 85 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 20,761. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 20,828 as of June 2024 and additional 88 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,321 persons per square kilometer, above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a population increase just below median regional areas nationally is expected, with an anticipated growth of 1,406 persons, recording a gain of 6.7% over the 17 years.

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 seen approximately 79 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a total of 397 approvals over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with 7 approvals so far in FY26. On average, 0.2 new residents have arrived per new home each year over these five years, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand and supports population growth while offering greater buyer choice. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $682,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $6.8 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale shows around 66% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice but supporting interest in existing properties. Recent construction comprises 49.0% detached dwellings and 51.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 70.0% houses. This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With approximately 374 people per dwelling approval, Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale is considered an established area.

Population forecasts project a gain of 1,387 residents by 2041. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Woonona Place, The Plaza Woonona Specialist Retail and Recreational Centre, MH Property Woonona-Bulli RSL Townhouse Development, and 481-485 Princes Highway Multi Dwelling Housing Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The labour market in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale had an unemployment rate of 3.2% in the past year with estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of June 2025, 10,592 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, below Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

Workforce participation is 60.2%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has a high concentration with levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.3% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The area seems to have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% with labour force growth of 0.3%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%. National unemployment rate is 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May 2025 forecasts project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale had a median taxpayer income of $59,207 and an average income of $81,476. These figures are higher than the national averages of $49,459 for Rest of NSW and $62,998 for Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale itself. Based on a 10.6% increase in wages since June 30, 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $65,483 (median) and $90,112 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that incomes in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 27.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the broader area where 29.9% fall into this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 31.3% of households earning over $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 65th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale as per the latest Census, 69.8% of dwellings were houses while 30.3% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This differed from Non-Metro NSW's 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in the area was higher at 37.1%, with mortgaged properties at 39.1% and rented ones at 23.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,349, surpassing Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. Weekly rent in the area was recorded at $390 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $400. Nationally, Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale's mortgage repayments were higher than Australia's average of $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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 educational profile stands out regionally with university qualification rates at 30.3% of residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of SA4 region at 25.2%. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 24.8%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of 9 schools operates within Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale, educating approximately 3,876 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1060. Education provision is balanced with 6 primary and 3 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 18.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.0, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 96 active public transport stops in Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale area. These include both train and bus services. There are 40 individual routes operating, serving 1,508 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Residential accessibility to transport is rated good, with residents typically located 227 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 215 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per stop on average.

Health performance in Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale has significant health challenges with common conditions prevalent across all ages but more so among older cohorts. Approximately 61% (12,674 people) have private health cover, higher than Rest of NSW's 56.6% and the national average of 55.3%. The most common conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (8.2%).

67.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.6% in Rest of NSW. 19.2% (3,998 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of NSW's 17.7%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention.

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 has a cultural diversity score below average, with 85.4% of its residents born in Australia, 92.9% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale, comprising 51.8% of the population, slightly higher than the 51.0% regional average. The top three ancestry groups are English (29.5%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Dutch (1.7%) populations are proportionally higher compared to the region's averages of 0.8% and 1.5%, respectively, while Scottish ancestry is also relatively high at 8.9%.

Woonona - Bulli - Russell Vale's median age exceeds the national pattern

Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The age group of 45-54 years has a strong representation at 13.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's percentage. However, the 65-74 age group is less prevalent at 10.1%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.3% to 13.3%, while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.4% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Woonona-Bulli-Russell Vale's age profile. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 23%, adding 458 residents and reaching a total of 2,435. Senior residents aged 65 years and above will drive 54% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 age group and the 5 to 14 age group.