Willow Vale (Qld)

Willow Vale lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Willow Vale's population is estimated at around 2,669 people. This reflects an increase of 390 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,279 people in the Willow Vale (Qld) statistical area (Lv2). AreaSearch validated this estimate using latest ERP data from ABS released in June 2024 and 11 new addresses identified since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 125 persons per square kilometer. Willow Vale's growth rate of 17.1% exceeded both non-metro areas (8.8%) and national averages, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% to overall population gains during recent periods in the Willow Vale (Qld) area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by ABS projections or years post-2032. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas, with Willow Vale expected to expand by 935 persons to reach approximately 3,604 people by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 36.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Willow Vale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Willow Vale has recorded approximately 24 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 122 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.3 people move to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $327,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $925,000 have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Willow Vale has slightly more development, 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity comprises 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current pattern of 92.0% houses. This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 196 people per dwelling approval, Willow Vale exhibits characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, it is projected to grow by approximately 964 residents (AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Willow Vale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects include GemLife Gold Coast (Pimpama), Pimpama Sports Hub, Calli, and Park Residences Pimpama. The following details those expected to be most relevant.

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Employment performance in Willow Vale exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Willow Vale has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,558 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and a workforce participation rate of 72.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.2% compared to the regional 4.5%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.2% while labour force increased by 2.5%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. As of 25-Nov-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Willow Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Willow Vale is $49,592, with an average of $58,627, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $54,507 and the average will be around $64,437, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that incomes in Willow Vale cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 39.2% of Willow Vale's population (1,046 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.5% of income in Willow Vale. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 72nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Willow Vale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Willow Vale, according to the latest Census evaluation, 91.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 8.5% consisting of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 80.5% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willow Vale stood at 16.5%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 43.5% and rented dwellings making up 40%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $430 compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of $2,000 and $450 respectively. Nationally, Willow Vale's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, with rents also substantially higher at $430 versus the national figure of $375.

Willow Vale features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 87.9% of all households, including 48.6% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.1%, with lone person households at 10.0% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9.

Willow Vale demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Willow Vale Trail region, 21.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 13.1% and certificates for 29.0%. Educational participation is high, with 32.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows three active stops operating in Willow Vale, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively making 142 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 915 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 20 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Willow Vale is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Willow Vale shows better-than-average health outcomes, with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to older, at-risk cohorts nationally. About half (50%) of Willow Vale's total population (~1,346 people) has private health cover, slightly lower than Rest of Qld's 53.3% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 9.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.8%, with 71.9% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Qld's 71.6%.

The area has fewer seniors (8.5%, or 226 people) than Rest of Qld's 12.0%, but health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to being above average.

In terms of cultural diversity, Willow Vale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Willow Vale has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 8.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Willow Vale, making up 45.5% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.2% of Willow Vale's population versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.9%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (7.2%). Notably, South African (1.5%) and Maori (1.7%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while New Zealand (1.3%) is underrepresented.

Willow Vale hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Willow Vale's median age is 32 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Willow Vale has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 at 15.6%, but fewer residents aged 75-84 at 2.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 13.2% to 14.8%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates Willow Vale's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 45%, adding 185 residents to reach 602. Meanwhile, the 85+ cohort is projected to remain unchanged with a growth of 0% (adding 9 people).