Woodvale (WA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Woodvale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Woodvale as of Nov 2025 is around 10,210. This reflects an increase of 631 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,579. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 10,240 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,387 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Woodvale's growth rate of 6.6% since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, 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). Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected. The suburb is projected to grow by 1,194 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 12.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Woodvale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Woodvale averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 139 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $376,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

In FY-26, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Woodvale shows 11.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 21st percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This level is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction since FY-21 has consisted solely of detached dwellings, maintaining Woodvale's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 781 people per dwelling approval, Woodvale reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Woodvale is expected to grow by approximately 1,224 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Woodvale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely influencing this region. Notable initiatives include Allara Estate Stage 20-24, Mixed-use Commercial Centre in Woodvale, Woodvale Corner Commercial Development, and Heathridge Park Masterplan. The following list provides details on the most relevant projects.

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 of employment trends sees Woodvale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Woodvale has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% as of June 2025, showing an estimated employment growth of 4.5% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 6,137 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which was below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stood at 69.0%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among Woodvale residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Notably, the area had a high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, mining was under-represented, with only 5.4% of Woodvale's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 7.0%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, while labour force grew by 4.0%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Perth, where employment rose by 3.7%, the labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offered further insight into potential future demand within Woodvale. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggested that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Woodvale's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. It is important to note that this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

Woodvale had a median income among taxpayers of $60,501 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $77,872 during the same period. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the national averages of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively for Greater Perth. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $69,092 (median) and $88,930 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes in Woodvale rank at the 85th percentile with a weekly income of $2,339. The predominant income cohort spans 30.4% of locals, with 3,103 people earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 32.0% occupy this income range. Reflecting its affluence, 36.6% of Woodvale residents earn over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Woodvale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.5% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Perth metro had 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodvale was 43.3%, with mortgages at 47.0% and rentals at 9.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's $2,080. Median weekly rent in Woodvale was $480, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Woodvale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Woodvale features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 84.0% of all households, including 42.6% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.0%, with lone person households at 15.0% and group households making up 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

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

Woodvale's university qualification level is 28.1%, slightly below Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 23.9%.

Current educational participation is high, with 28.1% enrolled in formal education: primary (9.8%), secondary (9.1%), and tertiary (4.9%). There are four schools serving Woodvale, with a combined enrollment of 2,506 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA score: 1079). School provision is balanced, with three primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds residential needs, at 24.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 19.7, indicating Woodvale serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Woodvale has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 1,903 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 199 meters.

On average, there are 271 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Woodvale's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Woodvale's health metrics are strong across all age groups.

Both younger and older residents have low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover is high at approximately 58%, covering around 5,933 people. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (7.8%) and mental health issues (6.9%). Around 72.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Perth's 71.5%. Woodvale has a larger senior population at 22.2%, or 2,266 people, compared to Greater Perth's 20.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Woodvale 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

Woodvale's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 11.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Woodvale, accounting for 49.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism had an equal representation compared to Greater Perth, at 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (21.7%), and Irish (9.0%). Significant differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: South African was slightly overrepresented at 1.9% compared to 1.8%, Welsh was underrepresented at 1.0% versus 1.1%, and Polish had a similar representation at 1.0%.

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

The median age in Woodvale is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 13.4%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 6.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.4% to 6.4%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 11.5% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 16.9% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Woodvale's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 823 people (126%), from 653 to 1,477. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 86% of total population growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.