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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Woonona statistical area (Lv2) is around 12,177, reflecting a decrease of 197 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population estimate by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 was 12,057, with an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a population density ratio of 1,790 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population growth in the area 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, the Woonona (SA2) is expected to increase by 943 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.7% in total 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates that Woonona averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 123 homes. In FY-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in Woonona between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.7 people. This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new properties is $682,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have been $1.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Woonona records markedly lower building activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. When measured against national averages, Woonona's 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, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 63.0% houses. This change may reflect decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles, with a need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

Woonona has an established population density of around 563 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,185 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.

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 affecting 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.

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 an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%.

Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability. As of September 2025, 6,224 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, 0.1% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area has a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force by 0.2%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 3.9%, favourably comparing to national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Woonona. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes not accounting for localised population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Woonona is $55,344, with an average of $76,160, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national averages of $52,390 median and $65,215 average in Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,247 median and $82,908 average. Census data shows 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 levels at 29.9%. Housing costs consume 15.8% of income. Despite this, disposable income is at the 55th percentile nationally, and Woonona'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

Dwelling structure in Woonona, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 63.2% houses and 36.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 58.9% houses and 41.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woonona was at 38.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.7%) or rented (25.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was $395. Nationally, Woonona's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceed 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 Rest of NSW average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 29.5%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. This is also higher than the SA4 region's rate of 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common 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. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing 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 stops are served by 28 individual routes that together facilitate 1,611 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 236 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 230 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 30 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 considerably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, particularly amongst older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57%, covering around 6,942 people in total. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.0% and 8.8% of residents respectively. However, 65.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.7%, with around 2,642 people falling into this age category, compared to 17.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes amongst seniors require more attention 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, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 84.8% of residents born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 54.1%, compared to 51.0% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (29.8%), Australian (29.3%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Welsh (1.0%) and Dutch (1.6%) were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 1.5%, respectively, while Macedonian was underrepresented at 0.3% versus the regional average of 1.5%.

Woonona hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Woonona has a median age of 43, which is equal to the Rest of NSW figure and higher than the national average of 38. The age distribution shows that those aged 45-54 years make up 13.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years constitute only 9.7%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of people aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.0% to 13.0%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 13.3% to 12.0%. 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 75%, reaching 812 from 462. Notably, the combined population growth for those aged 65 and above will account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the populations aged 55-64 years and 5-14 years are projected to decline.