Woy Woy

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Woy Woy has an estimated population of approximately 11,314 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 242 individuals (2.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 11,072 residents. This shift is derived from the resident population of 11,301, estimated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 76 validated new addresses post-Census. The population density stands at 708 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages across areas analyzed by AreaSearch. The 2.2% growth rate in the suburb of Woy Woy since the census is within 0.4 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (2.6%), showing competitive local expansion. Recent population gains were almost exclusively driven by overseas migration.

Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as a base) are applied to each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data, NSW Government SA2 projections from 2022 (using 2021 as a base) are utilized. Age-specific growth trajectories are extended to cover the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic outlooks place the suburb of Woy Woy in the lower national quartile, with total population forecast to rise by 297 people by 2041, representing a cumulative 2.5% increase over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Woy Woy, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Analysis of building approvals shows that the suburb of Woy Woy averages about 34 approved dwellings annually, totaling 170 residential approvals over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, alongside 47 in the current FY-26 period. Since only 0.9 new residents moved to the area for every finished dwelling during the FY-21 to FY-25 period, local supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. This provides purchasers with more options and supports potential growth beyond official forecasts. Newly built dwellings average an estimated construction cost of $445,000, which is higher than regional averages and points to premium builds. Additionally, commercial development shows strong momentum, with $35.5 million in approvals registered this financial year.

Per capita building approvals in the suburb of Woy Woy are 19.0% lower than in Greater Sydney, placing the area in the 32nd percentile nationally. This translates to fewer options for prospective buyers, which helps maintain demand for existing housing stock. This below-average national volume reflects the established nature of the area and suggests potential planning constraints. Residential construction is split between detached houses (62.0%) and attached dwellings (38.0%), with townhouses and units offering diverse options across various budgets. The local development environment remains quiet, with 537 people in the area for every single dwelling approval.

Projections indicate that the suburb of Woy Woy will add 284 residents by 2041. Based on current building volumes, housing supply is expected to meet demand, maintaining favorable conditions for buyers and potentially allowing growth to outpace current predictions.

Woy Woy has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and development schemes are key drivers of regional performance. A total of 24 distinct projects have been identified as having a likely impact on the immediate area. Key developments include the Transport Oriented Development - Woy Woy Station Precinct, the intersection upgrade at Ocean Beach Road/Rawson Road, upgrades along Blackwall Road, and the specialized SDA housing project at 145 Blackwall Road Apartments.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Woy Woy recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

The local workforce is characterized by a high proportion of essential service workers, an unemployment rate of 5.9%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.5% over the past year. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 4,775. The unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is significantly lower at 52.3% compared to the Sydney average of 69.1%. Census records show 32.2% of working residents worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Healthcare & social assistance is highly concentrated locally, representing 1.3 times the regional average share. In contrast, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 6.8% of the workforce compared to the regional average of 11.5%. A comparison of the Census working population against resident counts indicates limited local employment options.

Over the 12 months ending March 2026, the local employed population grew by 3.5% while the labor force expanded by 3.6%, keeping the overall unemployment rate stable. During the same period, Greater Sydney recorded employment and labor force growth of 1.9% and 1.9% respectively, alongside a minor reduction in unemployment. National forecasts from May-25 suggest future demand trends, indicating a national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these national sector trends to the local employment mix suggests job numbers for residents could increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

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

Taxpayer data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates a median income of $44,244 and an average income of $59,486. These figures sit below the national average and contrast with Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $48,810 for the median and $65,625 for the average. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and personal incomes between the 10th and 12th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket contains 26.9% of residents earning $400 - 799 weekly (3,043 individuals), whereas the dominant regional group (30.9%) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing cost pressures are pronounced, with only 77.4% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 7th percentile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 62.1% detached houses and 37.9% other dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metro Sydney. Home ownership rates were high at 35.4%, with mortgaged properties making up 24.7% and rented properties accounting for 39.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,900, which is lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent was $380, compared to Sydney's average of $470. Globally, local mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national average of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 59.4%, consisting of couples with children (19.9%), couples without children (24.1%), and single-parent households (14.1%). Non-family households account for the remaining 40.6%, which is mostly comprised of single-person households (37.1%) and group households (3.5%). The median household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The region shows lower rates of tertiary education, with university qualifications held by 18.4% of residents compared to the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher education qualification at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Technical and trade skills are common, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (27.4%).

A total of 24.5% of local residents are enrolled in formal education programs. This group includes 9.0% in primary school, 6.3% in secondary school, and 3.0% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

The local transit network consists of 149 active stops, incorporating ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are served by 59 different routes, which handle 4,396 passenger journeys per week. Transport links are highly accessible, with residents living an average of 133 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers travel outside the area for employment. Cars remain the primary transit mode at 77%, while trains carry 12% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 showed 32.2% of residents working from home, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Daily transit services average 628 trips across the network, translating to roughly 29 weekly departures from each individual stop. The associated map displays the 100 closest transit stops to the center of the area.

Health performance in Woy Woy is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health assessments indicate notable challenges, highlighted by mortality rates and chronic illness rates across multiple age groups. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~5,712 individuals), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 10.8% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.0% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Chronic illness rates are also elevated among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and over make up 29.9% of the population (3,382 individuals), which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney proportion of 15.5%. Seniors face some health difficulties, with local outcomes aligning generally with national averages.

In terms of cultural diversity, Woy Woy records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity metrics are similar to regional averages, with 79.8% of residents born in Australia, 88.0% holding citizenship, and 90.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 53.3% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the local population compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

English ancestry is the most common at 30.9% of the population, exceeding the regional average of 19.0%. This is followed by Australian ancestry at 28.3% (higher than the regional average of 17.8%) and Irish ancestry at 9.1%. Other distinct groups include Australian Aboriginal residents at 3.8% of the population (compared to 1.3% regionally), Maori at 0.6% (compared to 0.4%), and Maltese at 0.5% (compared to 1.0%).

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

The median age of 48 years is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 11.4% of the population, whereas the 25 - 34 age bracket is relatively small at 9.6%. This high concentration of 75 - 84 year-olds sits well above the national rate of 6.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 10.0% to 11.4%, while the 25 to 34 demographic has decreased from 10.6% to 9.6%. Projections for 2041 show significant changes, with the 75 to 84 group forecast to grow by 33% (adding 427 residents to reach 1,717). Seniors aged 65+ are expected to account for 94% of overall population growth, while the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to shrink.