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

The population of Cape Woolamai is estimated at around 2,691 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 390 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,301 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,458 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 439 persons per square kilometer. Cape Woolamai's growth of 16.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic.'s 8.1% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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 these projections, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 1,469 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 45.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cape Woolamai had around 25 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 128 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 2 approvals so far. On average, 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average cost of $588,000, focusing on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year, $4.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Cape Woolamai maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This is significantly higher than national averages, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 62% detached houses and 38% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. This shows a shift from the current housing mix of 88% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Cape Woolamai has around 87 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,236 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 45thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified five projects potentially impacting the area. Key initiatives include Waters Edge San Remo, Edgewater Estate, San Remo Structure Plan, and San Remo Foreshore Upgrade (Community Proposed). The following details projects of greatest relevance.

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

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

Cape Woolamai's workforce is highly skilled, with the construction sector being notably prominent. The unemployment rate in Cape Woolamai was 1.6% as of December 2025, lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.0%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In December 2025, 1,317 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 67.0%, higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 23.6% of residents worked 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.

In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 10.6% of local workers, lower than Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 6.0%, while labour force grew by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cape Woolamai's employment mix indicates 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 and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Cape Woolamai's median income among taxpayers was $46,439, with an average of $65,064. This is below the national average and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cape Woolamai would be approximately $50,270 (median) and $70,432 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Cape Woolamai rank modestly, between the 34th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.6% of residents (850 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses and Cape Woolamai'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

In Cape Woolamai, as per the latest Census data, 88.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Regional Vic., which had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cape Woolamai stood at 38.5%, with mortgaged properties at 40.4% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The 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+ exhibit high educational attainment. 28.9% hold university qualifications, exceeding the SA4 region's 18.1% and the SA3 area's 20.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.6% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, at 33.3%. This includes primary education (12.2%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (4.4%).

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 located an average of 374 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential and most commuters travel outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 23.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, resulting in about five weekly trips per individual 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 data. The prevalence of common health conditions among the general population, particularly older and at-risk cohorts, is low.

Approximately 53% (~1,414 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%), with 68.3% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes for working-age residents are generally similar to the broader population. Cape Woolamai has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 17.7% (476 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%, but ranks nationally lower than the overall 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 85.2% citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 34.2%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (29.5%), and Irish (9.0%). Dutch (2.5%) and Scottish (9.0%) were notably overrepresented, while New Zealanders made up 0.9%.

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

Cape Woolamai has a median age of 43 years, which matches Regional Vic.'s figure and is higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age distribution shows that the 45-54 year-old group constitutes 14.4% of the population, making it particularly prominent. Conversely, the 75-84 year-old group comprises only 5.0%, which is smaller compared to Regional Vic.'s figure. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 10.1% to 10.9%. Meanwhile, the percentage of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 15.2% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Cape Woolamai's age structure, with the 45-54 year-old group expected to grow by 59%, adding 229 people and reaching a total of 617 from its current size of 387.