Woolgoolga

Woolgoolga lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Woolgoolga's population, as estimated based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validations, was around 6,462 by November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 311 people since the 2021 Census, when the suburb had a population of 6,151. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 6,417 in June 2024, derived from ABS ERP data and AreaSearch validations for 191 new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 118 persons per square kilometer. Woolgoolga's growth rate of 5.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 area average of 4.2%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% to this population gain, although all factors including natural growth and interstate migration were positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project above median growth for locations outside capital cities, with Woolgoolga expected to expand by 1,491 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 22.4% over 17 years.

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

Woolgoolga recorded approximately 28 residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 140 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26. This results in about 4.2 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New homes are constructed at an average value of $695,000, indicating a focus on premium properties by developers. In FY-26, $9.9 million in commercial development approvals were recorded.

Comparing Woolgoolga to the rest of NSW, construction levels are 11.0% higher per person over the past five years, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining property demand. However, recent periods show a moderation in development activity. The area's new building activity comprises 85.0% standalone homes and 15.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 311 people per dwelling approval, Woolgoolga exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Woolgoolga is projected to grow by 1,449 residents by 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.

Woolgoolga has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely to affect this region. Key initiatives include Plantations by Ingenia Lifestyle Extension, Woolgoolga North West and West Growth Plans, Woolgoolga Town Centre Masterplan, and 34 Trafalgar Street Residential Flat Building. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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Employment conditions in Woolgoolga remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Woolgoolga has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%.

As of June 2025, there were 2,746 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation was lower at 51.8% versus Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had notable concentration with levels at 4.2 times the regional average.

Manufacturing employed just 1.7% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.8%. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.4%, while labour force grew by 3.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woolgoolga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Woolgoolga had a median income among taxpayers of $40,892 and an average level of $50,308 in the financial year 2022. These figures are lower than the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on a 12.61% growth since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $46,048 and average income is around $56,652 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Woolgoolga fall between the 12th and 16th percentiles nationally. The majority of residents (27.5%, or 1,777 people) earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Woolgoolga, with only 83.0% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Woolgoolga's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW which had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woolgoolga stood at 46.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.3% and rented ones at 30.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. Weekly rent median was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. Nationally, Woolgoolga's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

Woolgoolga features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, including 24.2% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

Woolgoolga shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 19.9%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 24.7%.

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 9.0% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education. Woolgoolga's 3 schools have combined enrollment reaching 1,490 students as of a recent report, while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1000) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (23.1 places per 100 residents vs 15.6 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region, as of the latest available data.

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

Woolgoolga has 86 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 36 different routes that together facilitate 347 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 188 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 49 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Woolgoolga is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Woolgoolga faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is low, with approximately 47% coverage (~3,030 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8.6%). Around 63.6% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of NSW at 63.9%. Woolgoolga has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 27.8% (1,796 people), compared to 23.9% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in certain health metrics.

Woolgoolga 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

Woolgoolga was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.5% of its population born overseas and 23.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Woolgoolga is Christianity, comprising 40.1% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 19.1%, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.2%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (12.6%), which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.7%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Indian at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 1.1%, Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% versus 4.0%, and French at 0.5% compared to the same regional average.

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

Woolgoolga's median age was 45 years as of 2021, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 43 years and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort was notably over-represented in Woolgoolga at 15.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 15-24 were under-represented at 9.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.4% to 12.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.9% to 9.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Woolgoolga's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 324 people (56%) from 581 to 906. In contrast, the 65 to 74 cohort shows minimal growth of just 0% (1 person).