Woodvale (WA)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Woodvale (WA) is around 10,240, reflecting a 6.9% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,579. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,391 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,194 persons to reach an estimated total of 11,434 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 11.7% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Woodvale averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 139 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $376,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. 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-20 has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining Woodvale's traditional suburban character focused 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 1,194 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 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure can significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified fifteen projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Mixed-use Commercial Centre at Woodvale (Woodvale Corner), Allara Estate stages 20-24, Woodvale Corner Commercial Development, and Heathridge Park Masterplan. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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 September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of that date, 6,108 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. According to Census responses, 9.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among Woodvale residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, mining is under-represented, with only 5.4% of Woodvale's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 7.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 3.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 2.9%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment marginally increased. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Woodvale. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Woodvale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

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 2023 shows Woodvale had a median taxpayer income of $60,501 and an average income of $77,872. Nationally, these figures are high, compared to Greater Perth's $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, median income is estimated at $66,321 and average income at $85,363. Census 2021 data ranks Woodvale's household incomes at the 85th percentile ($2,339 weekly). Income distribution shows 30.4% of locals (3,112 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the surrounding region at 32.0%. Notably, 36.6% earn over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, with the area's SEIFA income ranking 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodvale stood at 43.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.0% and rented ones at 9.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Woodvale was recorded at $480, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Woodvale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for the remaining 16.0%, with lone person households at 15.0% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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 the Australian 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%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.8% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 54 active stops operating within Woodvale, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 11 routes, collectively providing 1908 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest stop. As a residential area, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 80%, with 14% using train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above regional average. Only 9.8% work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 272 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per stop.

Woodvale's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Woodvale's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 58% of Woodvale's total population (~5,950 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8 and 6.9% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 72.4%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Woodvale has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 23.5% (2,406 people), than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Woodvale's population was found to be more linguistically diverse than most local areas, with 11.4% speaking a language other than English at home as of the latest data. Additionally, 38.3% of Woodvale residents were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Woodvale, accounting for 49.9%.

However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.1% versus 0.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.1%), Australian (21.7%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, South African descent was higher in Woodvale at 1.9%, compared to 1.0% regionally. Welsh (1.0%) and Polish (1.0%) ancestry were also more prevalent than the regional averages of 0.7%.

Woodvale hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Woodvale is 43 years, which is considerably 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 years make up a prominent 13.7% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise only 6.8%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 7.4%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has increased from 11.5% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 16.9% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Woodvale's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 719 people (95%) from 757 to 1,477. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting Woodvale's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.