Woree

Woree has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Woree is around 5,265. This figure reflects an increase of 138 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,127. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,256 as of June 2024, along with two validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 884 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Woree.

For demographic projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb of Woree is projected to grow by 1,088 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.5% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Woree according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Woree has recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 23 homes were approved, with a further 469 approved in FY-26. This averages out to about 7.3 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $702,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $70,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Woree has significantly less development activity, being 75.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

Nationally, Woree also reflects lower development activity, pointing to possible development constraints. Recent development in the area has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving its low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (49.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 951 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Woree will gain 1,079 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.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2, Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 5 - Foster Road, and NQ Petro Service Station and Convenience Store. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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Employment conditions in Woree face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Woree's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. It has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (1.7 times the regional level), but agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation (11.5% versus 4.5%).

As of September 2025, 2,471 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.0%. This is 4.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Woree is lower at 62.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. A low 11.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Woree's labour force decreased by 1.7%, with employment decreasing by 5.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that in Woree, median income is $45,516 and average income is $52,513. This is lower than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). In comparison, Rest of Qld's figures show a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $50,027 (median) and $57,717 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Woree fall between the 10th and 24th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 31.6% of locals (1,663 people) earn within the $800 - 1,499 range, contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is predominant at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Woree, with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Woree displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Woree, as per the latest Census, consisted of 48.6% houses and 51.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woree was at 22.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented ones at 53.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Woree was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Woree's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Woree features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.2% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 19.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Woree fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 34.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary, 10.3% in secondary, and 4.6% 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 18 operational transport stops in Woree, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight distinct routes, together facilitating 696 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 231 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents travel outward for work or other purposes, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 91%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 99 trips are made per day, resulting in approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Woree is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Woree faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2527 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.3% and 7.4% of residents respectively. Around 69.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (931 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Woree was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Woree's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 22.9% of its population born overseas and 18.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Woree, making up 52.6% of people, but the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other religions, comprising 2.4% compared to 0.8% across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 22.5%, Australian at 21.2%, and Other at 16.7%.

These figures were notably lower than regional averages except for Other ancestry, which was substantially higher. There were notable divergences in certain ethnic group representations: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 9.2% compared to the regional average of 3.9%, Filipino at 2.9% versus 0.9%, and Samoan at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Woree's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Woree as of 2021 is 38 years, which is slightly lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 15.0% compared to Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.5%. Post-census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.6% in 2016 to 15.0% in 2021. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 12.6% to 10.5%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 12.5% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for Woree indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 38% (297 people), reaching a total of 1,087 from 789. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 1% (6 people).