Woy Woy - Blackwall

An assessment of population growth drivers in Woy Woy - Blackwall reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Woy Woy - Blackwall's population is 14,583 as of May 2026. This figure shows an increase of 237 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,346. The growth is inferred from ABS data: the estimated resident population was 14,566 in June 2025 and there were 90 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 838 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 1.7% growth since census is close to its SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.5% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses 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 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to grow by 211 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 1.3% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Woy Woy - Blackwall, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Woy Woy - Blackwall has seen approximately 38 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 194 homes were approved, with an additional 48 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 0.4 new residents per year have been added per dwelling constructed during these years.

This indicates that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost of new properties in the area is around $249,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY26, there have been commercial approvals totalling $37.6 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. When compared to Greater Sydney, Woy Woy - Blackwall shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it ranks around the 31st percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 63.0% standalone homes and 37.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. The estimated population density in the area is around 538 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet and low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Woy Woy - Blackwall is expected to grow by approximately 194 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Woy Woy - Blackwall has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Transport Oriented Development at Woy Woy Station Precinct, Ocean Beach Road/Rawson Road Intersection Upgrade, Blackwall Road Intersection Upgrades, and SDA Customised - 145 Blackwall Road Apartments. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Woy Woy - Blackwall remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Woy Woy - Blackwall has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the past year. There were 6,406 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Woy Woy - Blackwall lagged behind Greater Sydney at 54.6%. According to Census responses, 35.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional average), construction, and retail trade. However, professional & technical employment was lower at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 11.5%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while labour force grew by 3.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 5.1%. In Greater Sydney, employment grew by 2.2% and unemployment rose marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woy Woy - Blackwall's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Woy Woy - Blackwall SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,842 and an average level of $66,428. This is slightly lower than the national average, which compares to levels of $60,817 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,089 (median) and $73,283 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Woy Woy - Blackwall all fall between the 17th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.1% of the population (3,951 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Woy Woy - Blackwall, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.3% houses and 33.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woy Woy - Blackwall stood at 35.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.6%) or rented (36.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Woy Woy - Blackwall's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Woy Woy - Blackwall features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.4% of all households, including 21.1% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for 38.6%, comprising 35.1% lone person households and 3.5% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Woy Woy - Blackwall shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 20.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (27.2%). A total of 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 8.9% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 3.3% 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 indicates 189 active transport stops operating within Woy Woy - Blackwall. These include a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. There are 60 individual routes in total, collectively providing 4,401 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport is car at 79%, with train usage at 11%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, a high 35.4% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 628 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Woy Woy - Blackwall is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Woy Woy - Blackwall faces substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~7,597 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area at 59.9%. This compares to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Approximately 59.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,093 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Woy Woy - Blackwall records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Woy Woy-Blackwall, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity profile roughly in line with its wider region. 79.9% of its population were born in Australia, 88.3% were citizens, and 90.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practised by 52.5%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.0%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, French (0.6%) and Maltese (0.6%) were overrepresented in Woy Woy-Blackwall compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 1.0%, respectively. Spanish, however, was slightly underrepresented at 0.5% versus the regional average of 0.6%.

Woy Woy - Blackwall hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Woy Woy - Blackwall's median age is 47 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The population aged 65-74 is strongly represented at 13.8%, compared to Greater Sydney, while those aged 25-34 are less prevalent at 9.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 9.3% to 10.6% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 10.7% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Woy Woy - Blackwall's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 505 residents to reach a total of 2,051. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 94% of population growth, indicating pronounced demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts.