Woonona

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

The population of Woonona, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since November 2025, stands at approximately 12,328. This figure represents a decrease of 46 people from the 2021 Census total of 12,374, reflecting an increase in population density to 1,812 persons per square kilometer. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 12,286 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for the suburb. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections indicate a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally by 2041, with Woonona expected to gain 953 persons over these 17 years, reflecting an 8.5% total increase.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Woonona shows an average of approximately 38 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 190 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, up to May, there have been 5 approvals recorded. The average population growth associated with these dwellings is about 0.5 people per year over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25). This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for future population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is around $682,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been approximately $3.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Comparatively, Woonona records roughly half the building activity per person when measured against the Rest of NSW. Nationally, it places among the 24th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This level is also below average nationally, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Woonona comprises approximately 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently around 63.0% houses) reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles, creating a need for more diverse, affordable housing options. Woonona has an estimated population density of approximately 651 people per approval, demonstrating its established nature. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Woonona is expected to grow by around 1,044 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Woonona has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Twelve projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include 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 detailing 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.

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

Woonona has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.7%.

In June 2025, 6,178 residents were employed, indicating an employment growth of 1.3% over the past year. The area's unemployment rate is 0.4% below the regional average, with workforce participation similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Key industries for Woonona residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has a high employment share, at 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, and labour force grew by 0.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1% with a rise in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woonona's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Woonona had a median taxpayer income of $55,344 and an average of $76,160 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is higher than the national averages of $51,389 (median) and $71,926 (average). In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $62,323 (median) and $85,764 (average). Census data indicates 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 (3,427 individuals), which is consistent with regional levels at 29.9%. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Woonona displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Woonona, as per the latest Census evaluation, 63.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 36.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woonona stood at 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.7% and rented ones at 25.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,189. The median weekly rent in Woonona was $395, slightly above Non-Metro NSW's figure of $400. Nationally, Woonona's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Woonona has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate, at 29.5% of residents aged 15+, exceeds the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (24.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education. Woonona's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,582 students as of the latest data. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1037) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Woonona has 49 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 different routes, collectively facilitating 1,423 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 237 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 203 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Woonona is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Woonona faces significant health challenges with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, particularly amongst older age groups.

Approximately 57% (~7,028 people) of Woonona's total population has private health cover, which is considerably high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.0% and 8.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 68.6% across Rest of NSW. Woonona has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.7% (2,675 people) compared to the Rest of NSW's 17.7%. Health outcomes among seniors in Woonona require more attention than those of the broader population due to the existing challenges.

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

Woonona has a cultural diversity below average, with 84.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 54.1% of the population, compared to 51.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestral groups are English (29.8%), Australian (29.3%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Notably, Welsh (1.0%) is overrepresented in Woonona compared to the regional average of 0.8%, as are Dutch (1.6% vs 1.5%) and Macedonian (0.3% vs 1.5%).

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

Woonona's median age is 43, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38. The age distribution shows that those aged 45-54 make up 13.4%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 9.7%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.0%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Woonona's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 74%, reaching 813 people from its current figure of 468. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will contribute to 57% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.