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, was approximately 5,252 by November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 125 individuals, a rise of 2.4% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 5,127. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,256 in June 2024 and address validation post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 916 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing about 51.2% of overall population 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. Examining future trends, non-metropolitan areas nationally are projected to have above median population growth. The area is expected to expand by approximately 1,088 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of about 20.8% over the 17-year period.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 23 homes were approved. As of FY26, a total of 469 homes have been approved so far.

On average, over these five years, about 7.3 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed annually. This has led to demand significantly exceeding new supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average value of new dwellings developed is $479,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, there have been $25.5 million worth of commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to other areas. However, Woree shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 75% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent development in Woree has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. This emphasis on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (49% 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 approximately 1,092 residents through to 2041, according to 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 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 16 projects likely to affect the region. 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 both white and blue collar jobs, notable in essential services. Its unemployment rate is 9.0%.

As of September 2025, there are 2,471 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is 0.8 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Woree is 53.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. There is strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. In the 12 months prior to September 2025, Woree's labour force decreased by 1.7%, and employment decreased by 5.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment increased by only 0.3 percentage points. State-wide, Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and a 13.7% increase over ten years. Applying these projections to Woree's current employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Woree SA2 was $45,516 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $52,513 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,884 (median) and $59,860 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Woree all fell between the 10th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income analysis showed that the largest segment comprised 31.6% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (1,659 residents), differing from metropolitan patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were 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

Woree's dwelling structure, 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 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woree was at 22.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 53.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Woree was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Woree's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $280 than 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%. 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's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity 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 prominent, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (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

Transport analysis indicates 18 active public transport stops in Woree, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes, together offering 696 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transportation, with an average distance of 231 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 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

Health indicators in Woree show below-average outcomes, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 2,452 people), compared to 50.1% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in the area, impacting 8.3% of residents, followed by arthritis at 7.4%.

Approximately 69.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (around 932 people), which is higher than the 15.7% in Rest of Qld, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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, making up 52.6% of people. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, comprising 2.4% of the population compared to 1.5% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (22.5%), Australian (21.2%), and Other (16.7%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 9.2% in Woree compared to 6.7% regionally, Filipino at 2.9% vs 1.8%, and Samoan at 0.4% vs 0.3%.

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 in line with Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.6%, higher than Rest of Qld's figure. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.7%, lower than Rest of Qld's percentage. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 4.5% to 5.5%. The 55-64 cohort declined from 12.6% to 10.7%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Woree. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 323 people and reaching a total of 1,088 from its current figure of 764. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 6 people.