Woree

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Woree's population is around 5,265 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 138 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,127 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,256 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 918 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 51.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,088 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 20.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Woree has seen around 4 new homes approved each year, with 23 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 469 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 7.3 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $479,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. There have also been $25.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Woree shows substantially reduced construction (75.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (49.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 960 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Woree is expected to grow by 1,079 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Woree has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2, Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 5 - Foster Road, and the NQ Petro Service Station and Convenience Store, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most 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 Woree face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Woree possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 9.5%. As of December 2025, 2,447 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 5.5% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (62.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.1% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.1% combined with employment decreasing by 5.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Woree. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Woree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Woree SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Woree SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,632 and the average income stands at $56,076, compared to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,451 (median) and $61,633 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Woree all fall between the 10th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 31.6% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (1,663 residents), differing from patterns across the metropolitan region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Woree, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 48.6% houses and 51.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Woree lagged that of Regional Qld at 22.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.0%) or rented (53.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. 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 dominate at 62.2% of all households, comprising 19.9% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 19.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (34.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Woree, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 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. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 11.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health performance in Woree is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Woree faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,500 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.3% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 69.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (935 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Woree was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Woree is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 22.9% of its population born overseas and 18.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Woree is Christianity, which makes up 52.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 2.4% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Woree are English, comprising 22.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%; Australian, comprising 21.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%; and Other, comprising 16.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 9.2% of Woree (vs 3.9% regionally), Filipino at 2.9% (vs 0.9%), and Samoan at 0.4% (vs 0.2%).

Woree's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Woree is marginally below Regional Qld's average of 41 while in line with Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 15.0% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.5% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Woree. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 37% (296 people), reaching 1,088 from 791. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1% (8 people).