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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Toodyay's population was estimated at around 1,530 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 168 people (12.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,362 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,515 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional six validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 12.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (9.9%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 187 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 10.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Toodyay has seen approximately seven new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), around 36 homes were approved, with five more approved in FY-26 to date.

On average, about 4.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these past five years. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new homes is approximately $386,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments.

Compared to the rest of Western Australia (WA), Toodyay records 16.0% less building activity per person. However, it ranks among the 85th percentile nationally in terms of assessed areas, with construction activity recently intensifying. All recent development has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes and space. The location currently has approximately 110 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Toodyay adding 164 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Toodyay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes or major projects are expected in the area, as AreaSearch has identified zero such initiatives. Key projects previously considered include METRONET High Capacity Signalling Program, WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, Western Australia Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements, and South West Interconnected System Transformation.

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The labour market in Toodyay demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Toodyay has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.3%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. In September 2025674 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation in Toodyay lags at 54.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Census responses indicate that only 11.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Toodyay shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 3.5% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 9.3%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Toodyay's labour force decreased by 4.3%, with employment decreasing by 3.7%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.4% and the labour force expand by 1.2%, with unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Toodyay's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Toodyay, median income is $46,919 and average income is $63,458. This is lower than Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $51,433 and average income $69,563, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Toodyay fall between the 1st and 8th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 34.0% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, compared to 31.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 in the surrounding region. Economic conditions indicate financial pressure, with 42.6% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability is severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Toodyay, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toodyay stood at 46.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.7% and rented ones at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,365, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Toodyay was recorded as $280, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $265. Nationally, Toodyay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,365 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 60.2% of all households, including 13.9% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Toodyay shows two operational transport stops that offer a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively offering 22 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1604 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward to other locations. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Toodyay.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eleven weekly trips per individual 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

Today's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~801 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 46%. This compares to Rest of WA's 56.4%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (9.2%), while 59.6% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 69.3%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.6% of residents aged 65 and over (452 people), higher than Rest of WA's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Toodyay was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The main religion in Toodyay is Christianity, comprising 45.9% of the population. However, Judaism is not represented in Toodyay, mirroring the regional figure of 0%.

The top three ancestry groups in Toodyay are English (36.2%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and Dutch (1.6%) are slightly overrepresented compared to the regional averages of 0.6% and 1.5%, respectively. New Zealand is represented at the same rate as the region, with 0.9%.

Toodyay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Toodyay is 55 years, significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 and well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 19.1% locally, compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 7.3%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the area has become younger, with median age dropping from 56 to 55 years. Specifically, the 0-4 age group grew from 3.2% to 4.9%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 10.2% to 7.3%, and the 75-84 group dropped from 9.5% to 7.7%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Toodyay. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 42% (62 people), reaching 211 from 148, while population declines are anticipated for the 75-84 and 85+ cohorts.