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 May 2026, the population of the suburb of Woonona is estimated to be around 12,446, reflecting an increase of 72 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 12,374. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 12,443 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,830 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration. For projections, AreaSearch adopts 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Woonona is expected to increase its population by 951 persons to reach a total of 13,397 by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 7.6% over the 16-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 shows Woonona averaged around 24 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 124 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. Population decline in recent years suggests new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. Average construction value is $682,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This year, there have also been $1.2 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Woonona records markedly lower building activity (65.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This level is also below national 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 shift from the area's existing housing (currently 63.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles. Woonona has around 537 people per approval, indicating a mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Woonona will grow by 948 residents through to 2041, with development keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as population expands.

Looking ahead, Woonona is expected to grow by 948 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones are Woonona Place, The Plaza Woonona Specialist Retail and Recreational Centre, Bulli Hospital Site Redevelopment, and Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project (Energy Storage Transition). 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.

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 was 3.8% as of December 2025, which is 0.1% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stood at 62.6%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 60.5%.

According to Census data, 37.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has a strong presence with an employment share 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%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, while labour force also grew by 0.5%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decrease of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national 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 could increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account 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 the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than both the national median income of $52,390 and national average income of $65,215 in Regional NSW. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $61,056 (median) and $84,020 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Woonona are around the 50th percentile nationally. In Woonona, 27.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is consistent with regional trends where 29.9% fall into this category. Residents spend 15.8% of their income on housing costs, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Woonona's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.2% houses and 36.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woonona was 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 Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Woonona was $395, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Woonona's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 is 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 average of 25.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.3% and graduate diplomas at 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, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 28 different routes, offering a total of 1,611 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 236 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 37.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 230 trips are made daily, 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 cohorts but more so among older adults.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~7,095 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.0% and 8.8% of residents respectively. However, 65.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,725 people), which is 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 and 92.6% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 93.6%. Christianity dominated as the main religion at 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%) was overrepresented compared to regional levels of 0.5%, as were Dutch (1.6% vs 1.0%) and Macedonian (0.3% vs 0.4%).

Woonona hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Woonona has a median age of 43, matching Regional NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age distribution shows that those aged 45-54 are notably prominent at 13.5%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 9.9% compared to Regional NSW. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Woonona's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 68%, reaching 753 people from 448. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will comprise 56% 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.