Woonona

An assessment of population growth drivers in Woonona 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 Woonona is around 12,178, a decrease of 196 people from the 2021 Census figure of 12,374. This decrease, equivalent to 1.6%, was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 12,057 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is calculated as 1,790 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, 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 years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally, with an expected increase of 956 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Woonona, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Woonona has averaged around 24 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 123 homes. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there was an average of only 0.7 people moving to the area for each dwelling built, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

This offers ample buyer choice and creates capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New properties are constructed at an average value of $682,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have also been $1.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Woonona records markedly lower building activity, 66.0% below regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, this level is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 63.0% houses. At around 563 people per approval, Woonona shows a mature, established area. Looking ahead, Woonona is expected to grow by 1,185 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Woonona has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones are Woonona Place, The Plaza Woonona Specialist Retail and Recreational Centre, MH Property Woonona-Bulli RSL Townhouse Development, and 481-485 Princes Highway Multi Dwelling Housing Development. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Woonona shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Woonona has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year.

As of September 2025, 6,210 residents are employed, with a 0.1% lower unemployment rate compared to the Rest of NSW. Workforce participation is at 64.5%, slightly higher than the regional average of 61.5%. According to Census data, 37.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Notably, education & training has a high employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force increased by 0.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with a rise in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woonona's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Woonona had a median taxpayer income of $55,344 and an average income of $76,160 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than national averages, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,247 (median) and $82,908 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Woonona are around the 50th percentile nationally. The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 27.8% of the community (3,385 individuals), similar to regional trends at 29.9%. Housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Woonona displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Woonona, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 63.2% houses and 36.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings at the same Census date. Home ownership in Woonona was 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.7% and rented dwellings at 25.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Woonona was $2,200 as of June 2019, compared to Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Woonona was $395 in June 2019, while Non-Metro NSW recorded $330 and nationally it was $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.8% of all households, including 33.5% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for 29.2%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Woonona exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 29.5%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's rate of 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 24.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.7% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

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

Woonona has 52 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 28 routes, collectively enabling 1611 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 236 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting in this primarily residential area is outward-bound, with cars being the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 37.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 230 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Woonona is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Woonona faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~6,942 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.0 and 8.8% of residents respectively. 65.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 22.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,703 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Woonona ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Woonona, as per the census data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. The population born in Australia constituted 84.8%, with 92.6% being citizens and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 54.1% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (29.8%), Australian (29.3%), and Scottish (8.8%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and Dutch (1.6%) populations were higher than regional averages (Welsh: 0.5%, Dutch: 1.0%), while Macedonian was slightly lower at 0.3% compared to the region's 0.4%.

Woonona hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Woonona has a median age of 43, which matches the Rest of NSW figure and is higher than the national average of 38. The age distribution shows that those aged 45-54 make up 13.1% of the population, while those aged 65-74 comprise 10.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.0% to 13.0%, whereas the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 13.3% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Woonona's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 70%, reaching 809 from 474. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 53% of total population growth. Conversely, the populations aged 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 are projected to decline.