Woree
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of Aug 2025, Woree's population is approximately 5,250, reflecting a 123 person increase (2.4%) since the 2021 Census which reported 5,127 people. This change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 5,256 as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density ratio is around 916 persons per square kilometer, in line with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing about 51.2% of overall gains. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 1,088 persons, recording a total gain of 20.8% over the 17 years based on latest population numbers.

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

Woree has seen approximately four new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS is reported on a financial year basis, with 23 homes approved over the past five financial years (between FY21 and FY25). As of FY26, there have been 468 approvals so far. On average, each home built has accommodated 7.3 new residents annually over these five years.

This disparity between demand and supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value for new properties is $702,000, which exceeds regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $25.5 million, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Woree has significantly less development activity, with 75.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

Nationally, development activity is also below average in Woree, suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (49.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 960 people, reflecting its quiet and low-activity development environment. Future projections anticipate Woree adding 1,094 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Woree has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Bayview Heights to White Rock Underground Cable Project, Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2, and Sewage Pumping Station W1A. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Woree faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Woree's workforce in June 2025 is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with a 7.2% unemployment rate. It has 2,538 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is 3.9% above Rest of Qld's rate.

Workforce participation lags at 53.4%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Transport, postal & warehousing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.1% locally, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, labour force decreased by 1.5%, employment by 3.7%, raising unemployment rate by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and labour force grow by 2.0%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, favourable compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woree's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Woree was $45,516 and average income was $52,513. This is below national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. By March 2025, estimated median income in Woree would be approximately $50,846 and average income $58,662, based on an 11.71% growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in Woree between the 10th and 24th percentiles nationally. Incomes predominantly fall within the $800 - $1,499 category for 31.6% of locals (1,659 people), differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Woree displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Woree, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 48.6% houses and 51.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woree was recorded at 22.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented dwellings at 53.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, which is lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Weekly rent figures were recorded at $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Woree's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Woree features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.2% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 19.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households making up 4.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Woree fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has lower university qualification rates at 15.0% compared to Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are common, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 34.5%.

Educational participation is high at 35.6%, including 12.7% in primary, 10.3% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education. Woree's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,831 students. The educational mix includes two primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school. The area serves as an education hub with 53.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 22.5, attracting students from nearby communities.

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

Transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Woree. These comprise a mix of buses serving 8 individual routes, collectively providing 696 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Woree are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Woree shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, covering about 2,451 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 50.1% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 8.3% and arthritis impacts 7.4% of residents, while 69.1% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 71.7%.

The area has 17.8%, or 931 people aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of Qld's 15.7%.

Woree was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Woree's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 22.9% born overseas and 18.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Woree, with 52.6%. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented in Woree compared to regional figures (2.4% vs 1.5%).

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (22.5%), Australian (21.2%), and Other (16.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Australian Aboriginal (9.2% vs 6.7%), Filipino (2.9% vs 1.8%), and Samoan (0.4% vs 0.3%) were overrepresented in Woree compared to regional figures.

Woree's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Woree is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.6% of the population, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.7%, lower than Rest of Qld. Post-June 2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group increased from 4.5% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 12.6% to 10.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 12.5% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Woree. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 324 people and reaching a total of 1,088 from the initial 763. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 7 people.