Toodyay

Toodyay is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region alongside validated addresses tracked by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Toodyay has a population estimated at approximately 1,555 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 193 residents (14.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 1,362 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 1,551, which was estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP statistics and incorporating 8 validated new addresses recorded after the Census date. With these numbers, the suburb of Toodyay has a population density of 25 persons per square kilometer, ensuring a spacious environment for the community. The 14.2% expansion rate since the 2021 census paced ahead of the national benchmark (9.3%) and the broader SA4 region, positioning the suburb of Toodyay as a local growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic growth was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 85.0% of the overall population increases during recent periods, although positive contributions were also observed from overseas migration and natural growth.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth trends past 2032, growth dynamics by age group from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) are applied. Factoring in these demographic shifts, the suburb of Toodyay is projected to experience population expansion slightly below the median for regional Australia, with an estimated addition of 179 residents by 2041 based on compiled SA2 statistics, representing an overall increase of 11.2% across the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Toodyay when compared nationally

According to building approval figures from the ABS allocated across local boundaries, Toodyay has averaged approximately 4 approved residential dwellings each year, amounting to 24 residences over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current period of FY-26, 12 approvals have been registered. With an average of 7.5 new inhabitants per constructed dwelling arriving annually between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is outpacing local supply, which tends to drive up property values and heighten buyer competition, while newly approved dwellings carry an average construction value of $386,000—slightly higher than the regional benchmark—indicating a focus on premium residential builds.

Compared to the Rest of WA, the rate of new dwelling approvals per capita in Toodyay is about two-thirds, placing it in the 65th percentile among all locations evaluated across the country, despite a recent lift in building activity. Building volumes remain below the nationwide average, reflecting the established status of the local market and hinting at potential regulatory boundaries. Furthermore, recent building approvals have consisted entirely of standalone houses, preserving the classic low-density environment and providing spacious options suited for families. With a ratio of roughly 218 residents for each approved dwelling, Toodyay is displaying a developing market footprint.

According to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch, Toodyay is projected to add 175 residents by 2041. If building volumes do not accelerate, residential supply may fail to keep pace with population growth, likely driving up competition among buyers and supporting property values.

Toodyay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning initiatives play a significant role in shaping the performance of a region. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to influence the local area. Key regional projects include the METRONET High Capacity Signalling Program, the WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, the Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, and the South West Interconnected System Transformation, with the most relevant ones detailed in the list below.

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

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Employment performance in Toodyay has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Data compiled by AreaSearch indicates that Toodyay possesses a balanced mix of professional and trade-based workers, with a solid representation of workers in essential public services and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. In March 2026651 residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than the Regional WA figure of 3.5%. Participation in the workforce is considerably lower locally, sitting at 51.2% in comparison to 65.6% across Regional WA. According to the Census, a modest 11.8% of employed individuals worked from their homes, although this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions associated with Covid-19.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The local workforce is heavily concentrated in health care & social assistance, with its employment share reaching 1.4 times the regional proportion. Conversely, the agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector accounts for only 3.5% of local employment, which is lower than the 9.3% average for Regional WA. The local area appears to provide limited employment options within its boundaries, as highlighted by the comparison of the Census working population against resident workers.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data from AreaSearch, which combines figures from larger statistical regions, shows that the workforce in Toodyay shrank by 5.2% and employment dropped by 7.4% during the year ending March 2026. This shift caused unemployment to climb by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% decline in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labour force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, provide additional context regarding future job demand in Toodyay. These five-year and ten-year projections have been aligned with Toodyay's current employment structure to project growth trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion varies widely across different sectors. When these sector-specific rates are applied to Toodyay's job composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years. This calculation relies on a basic weighting method for demonstration and does not incorporate local population forecasts.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that personal incomes in Toodyay are lower than the national average, with a median of $46,919 and an average of $63,458. This is below the Regional WA median income of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Adjusting for a 10.93% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $52,047 for the median and $70,394 for the average as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Toodyay rank between the 1st and 8th percentiles across the country. The largest income group consists of 34.0% of residents (528 individuals) earning between $400 and $799 weekly, which contrasts with the broader region where 31.1% of residents earn within the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket. Financial limitations are common, with 42.6% of local households managing on modest weekly incomes under $800. Housing affordability constraints are highly pronounced, with only 82.8% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 3rd percentile.

Toodyay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 95.2% standalone houses and 4.8% alternative dwellings, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other structures, compared to Regional WA where standalone houses made up 88.5% and alternative dwellings accounted for 11.6%. Home ownership rates in Toodyay were higher than the regional average, with 46.6% of homes owned outright, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (33.7%) or rented (19.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,365 was below the Regional WA average, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $280, compared to Regional WA figures of $1,560 and $265, respectively. Nationally, mortgage costs in Toodyay are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs are below the national benchmark of $375.

Toodyay features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up 60.2% of the local households, consisting of couples with children (13.9%), couples without children (33.7%), and single parent households (9.8%). Non-family households account for the remaining 39.8% of the total, with single person households representing 36.5% and group share houses making up 2.9%. The median household size of 2.1 persons is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Toodyay shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment presents an area for improvement, as university graduation rates (17.1%) are lower than the national benchmark of 30.4%. This suggests an opportunity for targeted local training programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Technical and trade qualification levels are high, with 41.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (29.8%).

Enrolment in education is strong, with 25.8% of the local population engaged in study. This group includes 9.8% in primary schools, 7.0% in high schools, and 2.0% in university or college programs.

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

Public transport analysis shows 2 active transit stops in Toodyay, providing bus connections. These stops are served by 3 routes, which together provide 22 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 1604 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of working residents commute to other locations, with private cars remaining the primary choice for 89% of commuters. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per home. A relatively low 11.8% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic-related arrangements.

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 11 weekly trips at each transport stop.

Toodyay'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

Health indicators in Toodyay are comparable to national standards, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic disease rates, with typical patterns of common ailments across different age groups, while the level of private health insurance coverage is slightly above the average SA2 region at approximately 52% of residents (~814 people). In comparison, private health cover stands at 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most prevalent health conditions recorded locally were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 11.7% and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 59.6% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Inhabitants of working age experience noticeable health challenges, with higher rates of chronic illness. The area has 32.5% of its population aged 65 and over (505 people), compared to 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among older residents are positive, ranking higher nationally than the general local population.

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

Cultural diversity metrics in Toodyay are lower than average, with citizens making up 84.5% of the population, 77.0% of residents born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 45.9% of the population. A notable overrepresentation is found in Judaism, which is practiced by none of the local population, matching the regional average of none.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the top three declared groups in Toodyay are English (36.2%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (9.0%). There are also specific differences in other ancestries: Welsh is overrepresented at 1.0% of the population (compared to 0.6% regionally), New Zealand background stands at 0.9% (compared to 0.9% regionally), and Dutch heritage is at 1.6% (compared to 1.5% regionally).

Toodyay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age of 55 years in Toodyay is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and well above the national median of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is overrepresented, making up 19.7% of the local population, while the 45 - 54 bracket is underrepresented at 7.4%. This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 7.3% to 8.8% of the population, and the 0 to 4 group grew from 3.2% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 10.2% to 7.4%. Population projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 41%, adding 54 residents to reach 187. In contrast, population declines are expected in the 15 to 24 and 85+ age groups.