Woodend (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Woodend are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Woodend's population is estimated at around 1,509 people. This reflects an increase of 26 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,483. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,160 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing around 76% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends predict exceptional growth for Woodend (Qld), placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 825 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of approximately 55.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Woodend, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Woodend has recorded around 2 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 10 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26.

The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years was 0.6. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $444,000, consistent with regional patterns. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Woodend has significantly less development activity (89.0% below the regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 89.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 337 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Woodend will gain 834 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Woodend has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 such projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Ipswich Better Bus Network, Ipswich Smart City Program, and Brassall Bikeway Stage 6 Extension, with the most relevant ones detailed below.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Woodend recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Woodend's workforce is skilled with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.8% as of the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of June 2025737 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 2.7%, above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 61.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety, with a strong specialization in education & training (1.7 times the regional level). Transport, postal & warehousing employed just 2.5% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 5.6%.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, with 1.2 workers per resident as at the Census, functioning as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 4.4%, labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

Woodend's median income among taxpayers was $53,535 and average income stood at $59,725 in financial year 2022. This compares to Greater Brisbane's figures of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Woodend are approximately $61,025 (median) and $68,081 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Woodend rank modestly, between the 37th and 43rd percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 34.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (520 residents), similar to broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 33.3% in the same category. After housing, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. 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, consisted of 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodend was at 28.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.5% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,452, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Woodend was $300, equal to Brisbane metro's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Woodend's mortgage repayments were substantially lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, 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

Woodend's educational profile exceeds regional averages with a university qualification rate of 24.2% among residents aged 15+, compared to 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 also prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 25.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in secondary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education. Woodend's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,580 students, demonstrating above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1059. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and two K-12 schools. As an education hub, Woodend offers 237.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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, facilitating 190 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents on average located 296 meters from the nearest stop.

Buses run an average of 27 trips per day across these routes, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Woodend is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Woodend faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common conditions compared to average.

Among older age groups, these issues are even more pronounced. As of approximately mid-2019, private health cover stood at around 51% (~767 people). Mental health issues and asthma were the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.9 and 10.8% of residents respectively, while 62.8% reported no medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. In Woodend, 15.4% (~232 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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 is the main religion in Woodend, comprising 48.1% of people, compared to 49.5% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.9%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (11.5%).

Notably, Welsh (1.0%) is overrepresented in Woodend compared to the regional average of 0.6%, while German (6.0%) and Scottish (9.3%) also show slight overrepresentation compared to their respective regional averages of 6.4% and 7.7%.

Woodend's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Woodend's median age is nearly 37 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Woodend has a higher proportion of 15-24 year-olds at 15.7%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 10.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.6% to 9.0% of Woodend's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 10.3%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.3% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Woodend's age profile, with the strongest growth in the 75-84 cohort, projected at 164%, adding 123 residents to reach a total of 199.