Cape Woolamai

Cape Woolamai lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Cape Woolamai's population is estimated at around 2,697 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 396 people (17.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,301 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,497 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 440 persons per square kilometer. Cape Woolamai's growth rate exceeded that of the non-metro area (6.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 1,302 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 36.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Cape Woolamai among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Cape Woolamai has experienced around 27 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 135 homes. So far in Financial Year 26 (FY-26), 2 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these five years, between FY-21 and FY-25, this suggests solid demand supporting property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $588,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $1.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered in this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. When measured against Rest of Vic., Cape Woolamai maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% medium and high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options.

This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 88.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 76 people per dwelling approval, Cape Woolamai shows characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Cape Woolamai is expected to grow by 994 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Cape Woolamai has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area significantly: Waters Edge San Remo, Edgewater Estate, San Remo Structure Plan, and San Remo Foreshore Upgrade (Community Proposed). These are the key initiatives likely to have the 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.

Cape Woolamai ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Cape Woolamai has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. As of June 2025, 1,272 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate is similar to Rest of Vic.'s at 57.4%. Key employment sectors include construction, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Notably, construction has high representation with levels at 1.7 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 10.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment also decreased by 0.2%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Cape Woolamai's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Cape Woolamai's median income among taxpayers was $46,439, with an average of $65,064. This is comparable to national averages. Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 and average was $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,086 (median) and $72,976 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Cape Woolamai rank modestly, between the 34th and 34th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 31.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, reflecting broader area patterns where 30.3% fall within this range. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Cape Woolamai is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Cape Woolamai, as per the latest Census, 88.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic., where 93.3% of dwellings were houses and 6.7% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Cape Woolamai stood at 38.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 40.4% and rented dwellings accounting for 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,450. The median weekly rent in Cape Woolamai was $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, Cape Woolamai's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

Cape Woolamai has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.8% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Cape Woolamai demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Cape Woolamai, 28.9% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, compared to 18.1% in the broader SA4 region and 20.7% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 41.6% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 29.4%. Educational participation is high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.2% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education. However, educational facilities appear to be located outside Cape Woolamai's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The public transport analysis indicates six active transport stops operating within Cape Woolamai. These stops service a mix of buses along four individual routes, collectively providing 46 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 374 meters from the nearest transport stop.

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

Cape Woolamai's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Cape Woolamai's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,417 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 47.9%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 68.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of Vic's 61.6%. Cape Woolamai has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (488 people), lower than the Rest of Vic's 28.6%, but broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Cape Woolamai ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cape Woolamai's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.2% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 34.2% of Cape Woolamai's population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, making up 0.4% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are English (30.8%), Australian (29.5%), and Irish (9.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences in representation: Dutch is equally represented at 2.5%, Scottish is slightly underrepresented at 9.0% versus 9.3%, and New Zealanders are overrepresented at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.5%.

Cape Woolamai hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of Cape Woolamai is exactly 43 years, matching the figure for the Rest of Vic., and it is higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 45-54 are notably prominent, composing 14.9% of the population, while those aged 75-84 make up a smaller proportion at 5.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 13.5% to 14.4%, whereas the percentage of individuals aged 55-64 has decreased from 15.2% to 13.8%. By the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Cape Woolamai's age structure, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 75%, reaching a total of 491 individuals from the current figure of 280.