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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Woolgoolga statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,738. This reflects a growth of 587 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,151. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6,388 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 191 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 123 persons per square kilometer. The Woolgoolga (SA2) saw a population growth rate of 9.5% between 2021 and Nov 2025, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.4%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch is using 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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Future population trends project an above median growth for locations outside capital cities. By 2041, the Woolgoolga (SA2) is expected to expand by 1,487 persons, reflecting a total increase of 17.4% over the 17 years.

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

Woolgoolga recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 139 homes were approved, with a further 15 approved in FY-26. This results in an average of 4.3 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $695,000, indicating a focus on premium segment properties. In FY-26, Woolgoolga has seen $10.1 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of NSW, Woolgoolga maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. The area's new building activity consists of 85.0% detached dwellings and 15.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving its traditional low density character and appeal for families seeking space. With approximately 266 people per approval, Woolgoolga reflects a transitioning market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Woolgoolga to grow by 1,169 residents through to 2041. If current development rates persist, 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 top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to influence the region. Notable projects include Ingenia Lifestyle Extension's Plantations by Ingenia, Woolgoolga North West and West Growth Plans, Woolgoolga Town Centre Masterplan, and 34 Trafalgar Street Residential Flat Building. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 2.5%. As of September 2025, 2,756 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is 0.2% below Rest of NSW's rate. Workforce participation was 51.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors included agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

The area had a high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (4.2 times the regional level), but manufacturing was under-represented at 1.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.8%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, labour force by 3.4%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.1%. State-level data from November 25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for Woolgoolga, based on May 25 projections, suggest local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

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

Woolgoolga's median income among taxpayers was $40,892 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $50,308 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of NSW, which were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on an 8.86% increase from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $44,515 and average income around $54,765. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Woolgoolga fall between the 12th and 16th percentiles nationally. In the suburb, 27.5% of individuals earn within the $400 - 799 income range. This contrasts with the region where 29.9% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Woolgoolga, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, were 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woolgoolga was 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, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $1,733 and $370 respectively. Nationally, Woolgoolga's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $360 than 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 comprise the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households accounting for 29.9% and group households making up 5.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (24.7%). A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.0% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Woolgoolga has 92 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 36 different routes that together facilitate 352 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 188 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 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, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 47% (~3,160 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (8.6%). Approximately 63.6% consider themselves clear of medical ailments, similar to Rest of NSW at 63.9%. Woolgoolga has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 27.8% (1,873 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Woolgoolga's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.5% born overseas and 23.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 40.1%. The 'Other' religious category was notably overrepresented at 19.1%, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (29.2%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (12.6%), which was substantially higher than the regional average of 6.7%. Notably, Indian ancestry was overrepresented at 6.9%, compared to 1.1% regionally. Australian Aboriginal ancestry stood at 3.4%, slightly lower than the regional average of 4.0%. French ancestry was present at 0.5%, equal to the regional average.

Woolgoolga hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Woolgoolga's median age of 45 years is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 43 years, and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Woolgoolga at 15.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 15-24 year-olds are under-represented at 9.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.4% to 12.9% of Woolgoolga's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.9% to 9.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 13.2% to 11.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Woolgoolga's age profile will have evolved significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 299 people (49%), from 606 to 906. Conversely, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are expected to fall by 42.