Woodlands (WA)

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

Analysis of ABS demographic updates alongside address validation carried out by AreaSearch since the Census indicates that the population of the suburb of Woodlands (WA) is approximately 5,124 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 573 people (12.6%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,551 residents. The calculation is based on an estimated resident population of 5,103 calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 26 validated new addresses verified since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 2,654 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of Australian locations analyzed by AreaSearch. The 12.6% expansion rate in the suburb of Woodlands (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national growth figure of 9.3%, establishing the suburb as a regional growth leader. This population rise was driven primarily by overseas arrivals, which accounted for roughly 91.0% of the gains, though interstate migration and natural increase also recorded positive contributions.

AreaSearch utilizes projections compiled by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions, published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this coverage, and to calculate trends beyond 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data are applied. Reflecting these demographic expectations, the suburb of Woodlands (WA) is projected to experience population growth above the national median, increasing by 868 persons by 2041 according to collective SA2 data, which represents a total rise of 16.5% over the 16 years.

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

According to building approval figures compiled by AreaSearch from regional ABS statistics, the suburb of Woodlands (WA) averages approximately 23 residential approvals annually, amounting to roughly 117 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 15 approvals have been documented. With an average of 3.9 new residents for each completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is significantly outpacing local supply, typically leading to upward price pressure and heightened competition among buyers, while newly approved homes carry an average construction value of $874,000, pointing to a focus by developers on high-end residential builds. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $4.8 million this financial year, reflecting a modest commercial development pipeline.

Compared against the wider Greater Perth region, the suburb of Woodlands (WA) registers moderately higher new dwelling approvals, running 12.0% above the metropolitan average per capita over the 5 year period, which helps preserve buyer options while underpinning existing asset values. Local building approvals consist of 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% semi-detached or attached options, maintaining the suburban feel and focusing on spacious layouts suitable for families. Having roughly 158 residents for every dwelling approval, the suburb displays trends typical of developing areas.

Projections indicate that the suburb of Woodlands (WA) will add 847 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Construction activity is progressing at a steady pace relative to this population growth, though prospective purchasers may face increased competition as the population expands.

Woodlands has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects and planning changes are major drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 7 projects expected to influence the area, including Glendalough Green, Glendalough Station Precinct Planning, Odin Road Residential Infill, and the Stirling City Centre Development, with details of the most significant works listed 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.

Employment conditions in Woodlands rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

The local labor force is highly educated, featuring a strong contingent of professionals, an unemployment rate of only 1.5%, and estimated jobs growth of 4.2% over the prior year, based on AreaSearch data aggregated for the area. As of March 2026, 2,716 residents are employed, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.7% below the Greater Perth figure of 4.2%, while labor force participation is notably lower at 64.1% compared to 70.2% across the metropolitan area. Census records indicate that a modest 13.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 containment measures.

The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area displays a strong specialization in professional & technical services, where the employment concentration is 1.7 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, manufacturing has a minimal footprint, employing 2.9% of working residents compared to 5.5% across Greater Perth. The heavily residential character of the suburb appears to limit local employment opportunities, as seen when comparing the Census working population against resident workers.

An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated by AreaSearch for the broader region reveals that over the 12-month period, employment expanded by 4.2% and the labor force grew by 4.3%, holding the unemployment rate steady. In comparison, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment, a 2.5% expansion in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future labor demand for the suburb of Woodlands (WA). These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local industry mix to model growth trajectories. While total employment nationally is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Projecting these industry rates onto the local workforce mix suggests employment for the suburb of Woodlands (WA) could rise by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population changes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Aggregated ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that taxpayers in the suburb of Woodlands (WA) registered a median income of $60,772 and an average income of $82,754. These figures rank among the highest nationally, compared to $60,748 and $80,248 respectively across Greater Perth. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $67,414 for the median and $91,799 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and individual incomes around the 68th percentile nationally. The highest income bracket of $4000+ per week is the most common, accounting for 26.5% of residents (1,357 people), which contrasts with the metropolitan area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is largest at 32.0%. High levels of affluence are evident, with 37.6% of households earning more than $3,000 weekly, which helps sustain high-end retail and local services. Residents retain 86.8% of their earnings after housing costs, showing substantial disposable income, and the suburb ranks in the 9th decile on the SEIFA index of relative advantage and disadvantage.

Woodlands displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

According to the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Woodlands (WA) consisted of 69.3% detached houses and 30.7% other housing types, including townhouses and apartments, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across the Perth metropolitan area. Home ownership rates were high, with 48.5% of homes owned outright, while 33.2% carried a mortgage and 18.3% were occupied by renters. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,600, while the median weekly rent was $420, compared to $1,907 and $350 across the Perth metro area. Nationally, local mortgage costs are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents also exceed the national median of $375.

Woodlands has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Families comprise the majority of households at 71.0%, consisting of couples with children at 37.4%, couples without children at 23.3%, and single parent families at 9.1%. The remaining 29.0% consists of non-family households, with single person households accounting for 26.8% and group households representing 2.3%. The median household occupancy stands at 2.6 people, matching the average for Greater Perth.

Woodlands shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in the suburb of Woodlands (WA) is high, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 27.9% across WA and 29.0% in the surrounding SA4 region. This qualification profile positions the suburb well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are held by 31.0% of the population, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.2% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational education is held by 24.8% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificate level qualifications at 13.9%.

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 30.5% of residents enrolled in education. This includes 11.0% in high schools, 9.9% in primary schools, and 6.0% undertaking tertiary studies.

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

Public transport infrastructure consists of 19 active bus stops within the suburb of Woodlands (WA), serviced by 11 separate routes that combine to provide 2,226 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is high, with the average residence situated 180 meters from the nearest stop. Commuters mostly travel outside the area for employment, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 79%, followed by trains at 9% and buses at 6%. Households average 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. Work from home rates stood at 13.0% at the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Services run at an average of 318 daily trips across the local network, translating to approximately 117 weekly departures per bus stop.

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

The suburb of Woodlands (WA) displays positive health profiles based on mortality and chronic illness statistics compiled by AreaSearch, with common health conditions generally showing low prevalence among the wider population, though rates are higher than national averages among older cohorts, and private health coverage is high at approximately 60% of the population (3,076 people).

Arthritis and asthma are the most common chronic conditions, affecting 8.1% and 6.9% of residents respectively, while 69.9% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.0% of the population (1,281 people), which is higher than the Greater Perth proportion of 16.1%, though this demographic profile ranks lower on a national scale.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Woodlands was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The suburb of Woodlands (WA) exhibits higher cultural diversity than most areas, with 17.9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 32.4% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 53.4% of the population, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common ancestries reported are English at 28.0%, Australian at 22.9%, and Other at 8.2%. The area also shows specific concentrations of certain backgrounds, with South Australian ancestry accounting for 1.2% (compared to 1.0% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.7%), and Polish at 1.0% (compared to 0.7%).

Woodlands hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 44, the suburb of Woodlands (WA) is older than the Greater Perth median of 37 and the national average of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is well represented at 10.2% of the population compared to Greater Perth, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 8.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket increased from 12.6% to 14.5%, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.8% to 12.3%. Demographic projections suggest the age distribution will shift by 2041, led by a 113% increase in residents aged 85+ (an increase of 354 people, rising from 312 to 667). This aging trend is prominent, with those aged 65+ accounting for 68% of the projected growth, while the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to decrease in size.