Woree

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

Woree's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at approximately 5,263 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 136 individuals, a rise of 2.7%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 5,127. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,252 in June 2025 and the addition of 2 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density of 918 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth accounted for roughly 50% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future trends suggest an above median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the area projected to expand by 1,023 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 19.2% over the 16 years based on latest annual ERP 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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 23 homes were approved, with a further 469 approved so far in FY26. On average, each year sees around 7.3 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed during these five years.

This demand significantly outpaces 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. Commercial approvals this financial year total $25.5 million, indicating moderate commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Woree has seen substantially reduced construction, with 75% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties.

Nationally, Woree's levels are also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. 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 (49% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 960 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Looking ahead, Woree is expected to grow by 1,012 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Woree has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones are Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Bayview Heights to White Rock Underground Cable Project, Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2, and Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 5 - Foster Road Intersection Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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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 both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 9.5%. As of December 2025, there are 2,447 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Woree is 62.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 11.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.1% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, Woree's labour force decreased by 1.1%, and employment decreased by 5.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7% over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Woree SA2 is $48,632 in financial year 2023. The average income stands at $56,076 during the same period. This compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,157 (median) and $62,446 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Woree all 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). This differs 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

In Woree, as per the latest Census, houses accounted for 48.6% of dwellings while other types such as semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings made up 51.5%. This differs from Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woree stood at 22.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 53.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Woree was recorded as $280, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Woree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 10.9% and certificates make up 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

Woree has 18 operational public transport stops, all providing bus services. These stops are served by eight different routes, offering a total of 696 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered good, with residents living an average of 231 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Woree, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 91%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.0, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.5% of residents work from home, which could be due to COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per 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 somewhat 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 2,499 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 8.3 and 7.4% of residents respectively. About 69.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (964 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's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 22.9% of its population born overseas and 18.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Woree, comprising 52.6% of people. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which made up 2.4% of the population compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (22.5%, notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%), Australian (21.2%, also lower than the regional average of 26.5%), and Other (16.7%, substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%). Additionally, there were notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was notably overrepresented at 9.2% of Woree's population compared to the regional average of 3.9%, 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 median age in Woree is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.4% of the population, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage. Conversely, the 55-64 age group constitutes 10.4%, lower than Regional Queensland's figure. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.5% to 5.9%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 10.4%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Woree, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 36 people, reaching 1,029 from 757. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort is expected to decrease by 1 person.