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, the estimated population of Cape Woolamai as of May 2026 is around 2,228 people. This reflects a decrease of 73 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,301 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,212 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 364 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Cape Woolamai has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 1,150 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 50.9% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cape Woolamai among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Cape Woolamai has received approximately 25 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 128 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

Developers focus on the premium market, with an average construction value of $588,000 for new dwellings. Commercial development approvals this financial year amount to $4.5 million, indicating Cape Woolamai's primarily residential nature. Comparatively, Cape Woolamai maintains similar construction rates per person to Rest of Vic., preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This rate is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, offering a blend of attached housing types across various price ranges.

Cape Woolamai currently has an 88.0% house mix, with around 90 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Cape Woolamai is expected to grow by approximately 1,134 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Five infrastructure projects may significantly impact the area's performance: Waters Edge San Remo, San Remo Structure Plan, Edgewater Estate, and San Remo Foreshore Upgrade (Community Proposed). AreaSearch identified these projects as potentially influential on the area.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Cape Woolamai performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Cape Woolamai has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate in Cape Woolamai was 1.4% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0%. As of December 2025, there are 1,164 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 2.3 percentage points lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

The workforce participation rate is 65.6%, slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 23.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, education & training, and health care & social assistance sectors. Construction employment levels are at 1.7 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance employs only 10.6% of local workers compared to Regional Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 3.0% while labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cape Woolamai's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Cape Woolamai's median income among taxpayers is $46,439 with an average of $65,064. This is below the national average. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s median is $50,954 and average is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $50,906 (median) and $71,323 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Cape Woolamai rank modestly, between the 34th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that 31.6% of residents (704 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 30.3% occupy this range. After housing, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Cape Woolamai is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Cape Woolamai's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 88.2% houses and 11.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cape Woolamai was 38.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Regional Vic.'s $1,430. Median weekly rent in Cape Woolamai was $340, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Cape Woolamai's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus Australia's 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 fairly typical 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 make up the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional Vic average.

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

Cape Woolamai's residents aged 15+ have a high level of educational attainment. 28.9% hold 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 them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Cape Woolamai has six active public transport stops. These are served by two routes offering a total of thirty weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good with residents typically 374 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (94%). Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5. According to the 2021 Census, 23.6% work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages four trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Cape Woolamai is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population across older, at risk cohorts

Cape Woolamai shows better-than-average health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, particularly older and at-risk cohorts, is low.

Approximately 53% (~1,171 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 50.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.6%) and asthma (8.5%). Around 68.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes for working-age individuals are generally typical. Cape Woolamai has 18.1% (403 people) of its population aged 65 and over, lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%, but still ranks lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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, 85.0% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Cape Woolamai, comprising 34.2% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (29.5%), and Irish (9.0%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Dutch at 2.5% (vs regional 1.7%), Scottish at 9.0% (vs 8.8%), and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

Cape Woolamai hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Cape Woolamai has a median age of 43, which matches Regional Vic.'s figure and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 45-54 are notably prominent at 14.7%, while the 75-84 group is relatively smaller at 5.5% compared to Regional Vic.. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 4.3% to 5.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 10.1% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.2% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Cape Woolamai's age structure, with the 45 to 54 group set to grow by 62%, reaching 532 people from the current 327.