Woodford (NSW)

Woodford has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Woodford (NSW) is around 1,953 people. This figure reflects no change since the 2021 Census, which also reported a population of 1,953 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses, supports this number. This equates to a density ratio of 270 persons per square kilometer. Woodford's 0.0% growth since census positions it closely with the SA3 area's 1.7%. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, with a base year of 2021. Future trends indicate lower quartile growth, with the area expected to expand by 99 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.0% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Woodford is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Woodford shows approximately 3 dwelling approvals per year since FY18-FY22, totalling around 17 homes. In FY26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, with new homes averaging $409,000 in construction cost value. Commercial development approvals this financial year totalled $257,000, indicating Woodford's residential nature.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Woodford has 13.0% less new development per person and ranks at the 16th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established homes. This reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining Woodford's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 968 people.

AreaSearch projects Woodford's population to grow by 98 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth but potentially increasing buyer competition as the population expands.

Woodford has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero relevant projects. Key initiatives include Regional NSW Road Network Safety Improvements, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Sydney Metro, and Mariyung Fleet (New Intercity Fleet). Most pertinent details are listed below.

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Employment conditions in Woodford demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Woodford has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in Woodford is 1.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 1,091 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation stands at 67.7%, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses indicate that 43.0% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among Woodford residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the 12-month period ending in December 2025, Woodford's labour force decreased by 4.7% and employment declined by 4.1%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand within Woodford. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Woodford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Woodford had a median taxpayer income of $54,796 and an average income of $66,454. Nationally, these figures are lower than the averages of $60,817 and $83,003 in Greater Sydney respectively. With an 8.86% increase since financial year 2023 based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,651 (median) and $72,342 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Woodford cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 36.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with metropolitan trends at 30.9%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Woodford's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodford stood at 39.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.9% and rented ones at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,997, below Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in Woodford was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Woodford's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,997 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $420 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.7% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Woodford's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 36.0%, surpassing the SA4 region's 23.9% and Australia's 30.4%. This is attributed to bachelor degrees (20.8%), postgraduate qualifications (10.6%), and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (23.9%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary (8.0%), secondary (7.0%), and tertiary (5.6%) education levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Woodford has 20 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 distinct routes, facilitating 960 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 275 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 93%, while train usage stands at 6%. Each dwelling owns, on average, 1.6 vehicles, surpassing the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 43% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 137 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Woodford is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Woodford exhibits above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,039 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues impact 10.0% and asthma affects 8.7% of residents, while 66.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (400 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking nationally even higher than the general population.

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

Woodford's population showed below average cultural diversity, with 82.2% born in Australia and 93.7% speaking English only at home, as of 2016 Census data. The majority religion was Christianity at 41.1%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 4.1%.

Top three ancestry groups were English (29.4%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (10.5%). Other notable divergences included Hungarian (1.0% vs regional 0.3%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.4%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.4%).

Woodford hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Woodford's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes a strong 16.7% of Woodford's population, compared to Greater Sydney, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. This concentration in the 55-64 bracket is notably higher than the national figure of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.3% to 6.3%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Woodford's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 45%, reaching 178 people from the current 123. This aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 76% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.