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 was around 5,265 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 138 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,127 people. The change was 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 level of population equated to a density ratio of 918 persons per square kilometer, which was relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 51.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally was projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,088 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting 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 approximately four new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 23 homes were approved. As of FY26469 homes have been approved.

On average, over these five years, around seven residents arrived per dwelling constructed each year. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average value of new dwellings developed is $479,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, there have been $25.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Woree shows substantially reduced construction, with 75% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest, demonstrating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 960 people, reflecting Woree's quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Woree is expected to grow by 1,079 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Area performance is significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2, Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 5 - Foster Road, and NQ Petro Service Station and Convenience Store. The following list details those most relevant:.

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Employment conditions in Woree face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Woree has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 9.0% as of September 2025. The employment rate is 4.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 62.7%, below Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

Census data shows 11.5% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Transport, postal & warehousing is particularly strong with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and 2025, labour force decreased by 1.7%, employment by 5.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force by 2.1%, with a smaller unemployment increase of 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woree's employment mix, local employment could increase by 6.4% in five years and 13.3% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Woree SA2 was $48,632 and the average income stood at $56,076 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Woree SA2 would be approximately $53,451 (median) and $61,633 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Woree fall between the 10th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 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 in Woree, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, consisted of 48.6% houses and 51.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woree was at 22.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (24.0%) or rented (53.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Woree was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Woree was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Woree's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 34.5%.

Educational participation is 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

The analysis of public transport in Woree shows that there are 18 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 8 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 696 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,500 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 8.3% of residents, while arthritis impacts 7.4%, with 69.1% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. 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 the rest of Queensland, with national rankings generally in line with the overall 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's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.9% born overseas and 18.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 52.6%. The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented in Woree (2.4%) compared to the rest of Queensland (0.8%).

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (22.5%), Australian (21.2%), and Other (16.7%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (9.2%), Filipino (2.9%), and Samoan (0.4%) ethnicities have higher representations than regional averages.

Woree's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Woree is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.0%, higher than Rest of Queensland, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.5%, lower than Rest of Queensland. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group increased from 13.6% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 12.6% to 10.5%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.5% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Woree. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 296 people and reaching a total of 1,088 from the current 791. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 8 people.