Woy Woy - Blackwall
Statistical Area - sa2

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 approximately 14,573 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 227 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,346. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates of 14,554 in Jun 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 837 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Woy Woy - Blackwall's growth rate of 1.6% since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.3%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods.

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, lower quartile growth is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 309 persons to 2041, recording a total gain of 2.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Woy Woy - Blackwall according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Woy Woy - Blackwall has recorded approximately 38 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with around 194 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. Five dwellings have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded over these five financial years, suggesting that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is around $445,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, approximately $37.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Woy Woy - Blackwall has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 31st percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice that supports interest in existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent construction comprises 63.0% detached houses and 37.0% medium to high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across various price ranges, from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. The estimated population density is around 538 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Woy Woy - Blackwall is projected to grow by approximately 290 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Woy Woy - Blackwall has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

"Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet), Ocean Beach Road/Rawson Road Intersection Upgrade, Blackwall Road Intersection Upgrades, and Transport Oriented Development - Woy Woy Station Precinct.".

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

Employment performance in Woy Woy - Blackwall has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Woy Woy - Blackwall has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%. As of June 2025, 6,301 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is 1.1% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Woy Woy - Blackwall was 49.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, while labour force increased by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts indicate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woy Woy - Blackwall's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Woy Woy - Blackwall had a median income among taxpayers of $46,950 and an average level of $63,125. This is slightly lower than national averages, which were $56,994 (median) and $80,856 (average) across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, current estimates are approximately $51,927 for median income and $69,816 for average income in Woy Woy - Blackwall. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Woy Woy - Blackwall all fall between the 18th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 27.1% of the population (3,949 individuals) fall within the $1,500 to $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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Woy Woy - Blackwall, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.3% houses and 33.6% other dwellings. In contrast, Sydney metro had 74.2% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Woy Woy - Blackwall was 35.7%, similar to Sydney metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 27.6%, while rented dwellings made up 36.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,150. The median weekly rent in Woy Woy - Blackwall was $380, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were above 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 make up the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.5.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 20.5%, significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (27.2%).

A total of 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.9% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education. Woy Woy - Blackwall's five schools combined have an enrollment of 2,211 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1001) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrollments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 174 active stops operating in Woy Woy - Blackwall, offering a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are served by 60 routes, collectively enabling 4,113 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 130 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 587 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

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 significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 51% (~7,461 people) of the total population has private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 54.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (10.1%). About 59.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 64.8%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.9% (4,061 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 24.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity is roughly aligned with the wider region, having 79.9% of its population born in Australia, 88.3% being citizens, and 90.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Woy Woy-Blackwall, comprising 52.5%, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 53.4%. The top three ancestry groups are English (31%), Australian (28%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, French (0.6%) and Maltese (0.6%) are overrepresented compared to the regional averages of 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 3.6% compared to the region's 2.5%.

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 65-74 age group comprises 13.8% of its population, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort represents only 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 9.3% to 10.4%, and the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Woy Woy - Blackwall's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 37%, adding 560 residents to reach 2,079. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 95% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, populations in the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to decline.