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 Cape Woolamai statistical area's population is estimated at around 2,687 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,301 people, marking a growth of 386 individuals (16.8%). AreaSearch validated this estimate following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 439 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. The Cape Woolamai's growth rate exceeded both the non-metro area average (7.9%) and the national average since the 2021 Census. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted for the Cape Woolamai (SA2), placing it in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area's population is expected to increase by 1,352 persons, reflecting a total increase of 39.2% 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 25 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 128 homes. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.3 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), suggesting solid demand supporting property values, new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $588,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $4.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When compared to Rest of Vic., Cape Woolamai maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, which is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more affordable 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 86 people per dwelling approval, Cape Woolamai shows characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Cape Woolamai is expected to grow by 1,054 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

Development is keeping 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: Waters Edge San Remo, Edgewater Estate, San Remo Structure Plan, San Remo Foreshore Upgrade (Community Proposed).

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 skilled with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1% over the past year.

The area had 1,322 residents employed at this time, with a unemployment rate of 2.1% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment in Cape Woolamai is concentrated in construction, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Construction employs 1.7 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance employs 10.6% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, and labour force increased by 4.7%, decreasing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest 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 its local employment mix.

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 that Cape Woolamai's median income among taxpayers is $46,439. The average income in the suburb is $65,064. Both figures are below the national average. Compared to Rest of Vic., Cape Woolamai has a lower median income ($50,954) and an average slightly higher by $2,336. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cape Woolamai's median income would be approximately $50,270 as of September 2025, and the average would be around $70,432. Census 2021 data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Cape Woolamai rank modestly, between the 34th and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that the majority of residents (31.6%, or 849 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, reflecting a pattern seen across the region where 30.3% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth 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 evaluation, 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.'s figures of 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cape Woolamai stood at 38.5%, with mortgaged properties at 40.4% and rented dwellings at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,450. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Cape Woolamai was $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, Cape Woolamai's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households at 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

Cape Woolamai's educational attainment is notably high, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to the SA4 region at 18.1% and the SA3 area at 20.7%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.9%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.2% and certificates for 29.4%.

Educational participation is particularly high in Cape Woolamai, 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, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes that together offer 30 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good transport access, with an average distance of 374 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is four trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about five weekly trips per 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 (~1,412 people), leading that of the average SA2 area compared to 47.7% across Rest of Vic.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.6 and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 68.3% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 61.6% across Rest of Vic. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (486 people), which is lower than the 28.6% in Rest of Vic., 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 85.2% being Australian citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 34.2%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, English (30.8%), Australian (29.5%), and Irish (9.0%) were the top groups. Dutch (2.5%) and Scottish (9.0%) were notably overrepresented, while New Zealand (0.9%) had a higher representation than regionally (0.5%).

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

The median age of Cape Woolamai is 43, which matches the figure for the Rest of Vic and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 45-54 are notably prominent at 14.8%, while the 75-84 age group is relatively smaller at 5.1% compared to the Rest of Vic. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 11.9% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 15.2% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Cape Woolamai's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 75%, reaching 498 people from an initial count of 284.