Woodend (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Woodend are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Woodend's population is estimated at around 1,516 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 33 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,483 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,516, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,166 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the suburb of Woodend expected to increase by 794 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 52.4% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Woodend according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Woodend's residential building approvals averaged around 1 per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 7 homes were approved, with 2 more granted in FY26.

This results in an average of 11.3 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built over those years. The demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. Developers focus on the premium market, with new homes averaging $444,000 in construction cost value. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Woodend has notably less development activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person. This limited supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

However, recent periods have seen increased development activity, though it remains below national averages, likely reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining Woodend's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. The area has approximately 505 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established location. Population forecasts suggest Woodend will gain 794 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of seventeen projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Ipswich Better Bus Network, Ipswich Smart City Program, and Brassall Bikeway Stage 6 Extension. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Woodend shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Woodend has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.4%. As of December 2025755 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Woodend was 65.8%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 16.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety, with a particularly strong specialization in education & training at 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 2.5% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 5.6%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.2 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 9.4% alongside labour force growth of 7.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woodend's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Woodend suburb's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Woodend's median income among taxpayers is $53,535 and average income stands at $59,725, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,617 (median) and $66,510 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Woodend rank modestly between the 37th and 43rd percentiles. Income analysis shows the largest segment comprises 34.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (523 residents), consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 33.3%. After housing, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses and Woodend's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Woodend's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Woodend's home ownership rate was 28.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.5% and rented dwellings at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Woodend was $1,452, below Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent in Woodend was $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Woodend's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Woodend has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.6% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Woodend exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 24.2% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 17.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 25.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.1% in secondary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Woodend has four active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 124 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 296 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, and most residents commute outward using cars as the primary mode at 87%. Six percent of residents walk for their commutes. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Woodend.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Woodend is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Woodend faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~771 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (11.9%) and asthma (10.8%). Conversely, 62.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (236 people). Senior health outcomes present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings.

Woodend is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Woodend's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Woodend, comprising 48.1% of people, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.9%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (11.5%).

Notably, Welsh (1.0%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average (0.5%), as were German (6.0%, vs 4.2%) and Scottish (9.3%, vs 7.4%).

Woodend's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Woodend, at 37 years, has a median age nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and is very close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Woodend has a higher concentration of 15-24 year-olds at 16.1%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 10.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 65-74 age group grew from 7.6% to 9.4% of Woodend's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.7%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Woodend's age profile, with the 55-64 cohort projected to grow by 60%, adding 112 residents to reach 299.