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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Toodyay's population is estimated at around 1525 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 163 people (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1362 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1515, 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 equates to a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Toodyay's 12.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (9.4%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 85.0% 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 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected for Toodyay (SA2), with an increase of 186 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections reflecting an increase of 10.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Toodyay has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 36 homes. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Over this period, there has been an average of 4.9 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed.

The supply of new dwellings is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average value of $386,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. Compared to the Rest of WA, Toodyay has 16.0% less new development per person, but it places among the 85th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. All new construction has been comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 110 people per dwelling approval, Toodyay shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate it will gain 164 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Toodyay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes were identified by AreaSearch that could influence the area's performance. Key projects 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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Employment performance in Toodyay has been broadly consistent with national averages

Toodyay has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025680 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of WA's 3.3%. Workforce participation in Toodyay lags at 46.0%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, health care & social assistance has a significant concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing, however, has limited presence with 3.5% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.0%, and employment declined by 3.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.4% and 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 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Toodyay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Toodyay had a lower than average income level nationally according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $46,919 and the average income stood at $63,458, compared to Rest of WA's figures of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Toodyay would be approximately $51,433 (median) and $69,563 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted on 10 August 2021, household incomes in Toodyay fell between the 1st and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis showed that 34.0% of its population earned within the $400 - $799 range, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 31.1%. With 42.6% earning under $800 per week, Toodyay faces significant income constraints impacting local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Toodyay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 95.6% houses and 4.4% 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 $1,425. The median weekly rent in Toodyay was $280, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $231. Nationally, Toodyay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,365 than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.3.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.6% and certificates for 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

Transport analysis shows two active public transport stops in Toodyay, both serving buses. These stops are covered by three different routes that together offer 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents generally located 1604 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run on average three times a day across all routes, equating to about eleven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Toodyay is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Toodyay faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (~799 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 51%.

This compares to Rest of WA's 54.4%. The most common conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (9.2%), with 59.6% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 64.7%. Toodyay has 30.9% residents aged 65 and over (471 people), higher than Rest of WA's 21.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

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 have below average cultural diversity, with 84.5% of its population being Australian citizens, 77.0% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Toodyay is Christianity, comprising 45.9% of the population. However, Judaism is notably underrepresented compared to the rest of WA, with 0.0% of the population identifying as Jewish.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (36.2%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (9.0%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh is overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to 0.6% regionally, New Zealanders make up 0.9% versus 0.8%, and Dutch residents comprise 1.6% compared to 1.5%.

Toodyay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Toodyay is 55 years, significantly higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 and well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Toodyay at 19.4%, compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, Toodyay has become younger, with median age dropping from 56 to 55 years. The 35-44 age group grew from 9.3% to 10.8%, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 3.2% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 10.2% to 7.8%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 18.4% to 17.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Toodyay. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 48%, reaching 210 people from 141, leading the demographic shift. Meanwhile, population declines are forecasted for the 55-64 and 85+ cohorts.