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 population of the suburb of Woonona is estimated at around 12,178, reflecting a decrease of 196 people since the 2021 Census. This decline was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 12,057 in Jun 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,790 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth in recent periods. 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 where necessary, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Considering these projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 947 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.8% over the 17 years.

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 shows Woonona averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 124 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in Woonona between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.6 people per year. New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering 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. In FY-26, there have been $1.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Woonona records markedly lower building activity, at 65.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. 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. Woonona indicates a mature market with around 550 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Woonona will grow by 826 residents through to 2041, with development keeping reasonable pace with projected growth.

However, increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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 has identified twelve projects likely to affect this region. Notable 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. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Woonona maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Woonona has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, lower than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Employment stability over the past year was maintained despite Covid-19 lockdown impacts.

As of December 2025, 6,242 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Regional NSW's rate and workforce participation at 64.7%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with Census data indicating 37.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has a strong presence, being 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% compared to Regional NSW's average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited due to the predominantly residential nature of the area. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force grew by 0.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.8%. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and a rise in unemployment to 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. 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.

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 the national averages of $52,390 for median income and $65,215 for average income. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,247 (median) and $82,908 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Woonona are around the 50th percentile nationally. Incomes between $1,500 - 2,999 capture 27.8% of the community (3,385 individuals), similar to regional levels 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

The dwelling structure in Woonona, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 63.2% houses and 36.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woonona stood at 38.0%, similar to Regional NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (36.7%) or rented (25.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Woonona was recorded at $395, compared to Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Woonona's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $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 comprise the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households at 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional 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 university qualification rate is 29.5%, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's 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% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis shows 52 active transport stops operating within Woonona. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 28 individual routes, collectively providing 1,611 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 236 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Woonona's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 37.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 230 trips per day 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 based on 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% in Regional 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 claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,666 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional 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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 84.8% born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 54.1%, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.8%), Australian (29.3%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and Dutch (1.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 1.0%, respectively, while Macedonian was slightly underrepresented at 0.3%.

Woonona hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Woonona has a median age of 43, which is equal to Regional NSW's figure and higher than the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent at 13.4%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 10.6% compared to Regional NSW. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.9% of the population, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Woonona's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group will grow by 65%, reaching 804 people from 487. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.