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 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Toodyay's population is estimated at around 1,503 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 141 people (10.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,362 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,494, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Toodyay's 10.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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). Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 187 persons to reach 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.4% 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 in Toodyay indicates approximately 8 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 44 homes. As of FY26, there have been 3 recorded approvals. Historically, each new dwelling has attracted an average of 4 new residents annually between FY21 and FY25.

This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost for new homes in Toodyay is around $386,000, consistent with broader regional development trends. Compared to the Rest of WA, Toodyay has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market balance with the wider area.

All approved dwellings have been detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 103 people per dwelling approval, Toodyay exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Toodyay is projected to grow by 187 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand adequately, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Toodyay has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in this region. No major projects or planning initiatives have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area's performance. 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. However, none of these are currently expected to significantly influence the region.

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Employment conditions in Toodyay demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Toodyay's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services. The unemployment rate was 1.7% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the previous year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025683 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, below Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was lower at 46.0% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, particularly notable in health care with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 3.5%, compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force decreased by 1.4%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 2.0 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, and a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Toodyay. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Toodyay had a median income among taxpayers of $46,919 and an average of $63,458. These figures are slightly below the national averages. The Rest of WA had a median of $57,323 and an average of $71,163 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $53,581 (median) and $72,469 (average). Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Toodyay fall between the 1st and 8th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 34.0% of Toodyay's population earns within the $400 - $799 range, which is different from surrounding regions where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. With 42.6% earning under $800 per week, Toodyay faces significant income constraints that impact local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the suburb, with only 82.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, 95.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar 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 properties making up 33.7% and rented dwellings accounting for 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,365, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,425. Weekly rent in Toodyay was recorded at $280, compared to Non-Metro WA's $231. Nationally, Toodyay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower 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, which is 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 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: 9.8% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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. These stops serve a mix of bus routes: three individual routes operate collectively to provide 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1604 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eleven weekly trips per stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges in Toodyay regarding common health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, which is slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~787 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 11.7% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 9.2%. In contrast, 59.6% of residents report having no medical ailments compared to 64.7% in the Rest of WA. Toodyay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.9% (464 people), compared to 21.7% in the Rest of WA. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Toodyay are stronger than those in the general population based on available metrics.

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

Toodyay's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Toodyay, comprising 45.9% of the population. However, Judaism is not represented in Toodyay or across Rest of WA.

The top three ancestry groups are English (36.2%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and Dutch (1.6%) are slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 1.5%, respectively. New Zealanders also have a higher representation in Toodyay at 0.9%.

Toodyay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Toodyay is 55 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Toodyay at 19.4%, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the area has become younger, with the median age dropping from 56 to 55 years. Specifically, the 35-44 age group has grown from 9.3% to 10.8%, and the 0-4 age cohort increased from 3.2% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 10.2% to 7.8%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 18.4% to 17.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Toodyay, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 50% (an increase of 70 people) reaching 210 from 139. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 75-84 age cohorts.