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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Woodlands is around 5,071. This reflects an increase of 520 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,551. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,056 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,627 persons per square kilometer, placing Woodlands in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 11.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The suburb of Woodlands is expected to grow by 918 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.7% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Woodlands when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Woodlands recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 100 homes. So far in FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.2 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $874,000, focusing on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $3.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Woodlands maintains similar construction rates per person relative to Greater Perth, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (69.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 219 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Population forecasts indicate Woodlands will gain 847 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Glendalough Green, Glendalough Station Precinct Planning, Odin Road Residential Infill, and Stirling City Centre Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Woodlands performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Woodlands has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.3%.

As of June 2025, 2,633 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags at 60.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Professional & technical has a strong presence with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Manufacturing has limited presence at 2.9% compared to the regional 5.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, and labour force increased by 4.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with unemployment rising 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 14.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woodlands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Woodlands had a median taxpayer income of $60,772 and an average income of $82,754. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Woodlands as of September 2025 is approximately $69,402, with the average being around $94,505. Census data reveals incomes in Woodlands cluster at the 68th percentile nationally. The dominant income bracket in Woodlands is $4000+, with 26.5% of residents (1,343 people), unlike Greater Perth where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.0%. A substantial proportion of high earners (37.6%) in Woodlands indicates strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Woodlands' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 69.3% houses and 30.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares with Perth metro's figures of 59.6% houses and 40.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodlands stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.2% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,950. Weekly rent median in Woodlands was $420, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Woodlands' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Woodlands has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.0% of all households, including 37.4% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.4.

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

Woodlands' residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion of university qualifications (45.6%) compared to Western Australia (27.9%) and the SA4 region (29.0%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 13.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: secondary education (11.0%), primary education (9.9%), and tertiary education (6.0%).

Woodlands Primary School and Holy Rosary School serve a total of 787 students. The area's ICSEA score is 1128, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. Both schools focus on primary education; secondary options are available in nearby areas.

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

Woodlands has 19 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together facilitate 2,503 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 179 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 357 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 131 weekly trips per individual stop.

Woodlands's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Woodlands' health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (3,045 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.1 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. As of 24th June 2021, 24.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,247 people), which is higher than the 18.3% in Greater Perth. This is broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Woodlands was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Woodlands had a higher linguistic diversity than most local markets, with 17.9% of its residents speaking languages other than English at home. Born overseas, 32.4% of Woodlands' population was notable compared to the region's average. Christianity dominated Woodlands' religious landscape at 53.4%, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 47.3%.

In terms of ancestry, English (28.0%) and Australian (22.9%) were the top groups in Woodlands, followed by Other at 8.2%, lower than the regional average of 13.8%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: South African residents were overrepresented at 1.2% compared to the region's 1.0%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.6%, and Polish at 1.0% against the regional average of 0.9%.

Woodlands hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Woodlands has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Perth's figure of 37 and is substantially higher than the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 9.9% of Woodlands' population compared to Greater Perth's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.6% to 14.3%, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Woodlands' age profile. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 123%, reaching 666 people from the current 299. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 70% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.