Woodend

Woodend lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Woodend's population was approximately 8,102 as of May 2026, reflecting a growth of 153 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was recorded at 7,949. This increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 8,084 in June 2025 and an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Woodend has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas, with Woodend expected to expand by 2,745 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 33.7% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Woodend recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Woodend has recorded approximately 33 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 166 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over these five years attracted an average of 2.7 new residents annually, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

Developers are targeting the premium market segment, with new homes averaging $502,000 in construction cost value. In terms of commercial development, Woodend has recorded approximately $10.3 million in approvals for this financial year, suggesting steady investment activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Woodend has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 42nd percentile nationally, indicating more limited housing choices for buyers and potentially supporting demand for existing homes.

The area's building activity comprises predominantly detached houses (88.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (12.0%), maintaining its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This is reflected in the estimated count of 412 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Woodend is projected to grow by approximately 2,727 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Woodend has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Hanging Rock to Daylesford Shared Trail, Hamilton Road Reconstruction New Gisborne to Riddells Creek, Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, and Kyneton Recycled Water Irrigation Project. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Woodend rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Woodend has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 1.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.8%. As of December 2025, 3,994 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%.

Workforce participation was at 61.0%, similar to Regional Vic.'s figure. Home workership stood at 39.6%, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Professional & technical had a high share of 2.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was limited at 2.1% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%.

Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. In the year ending May-25, employment increased by 1.8%, matching labour force growth and keeping unemployment stable. This contrasted with Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6% and unemployment decreased slightly. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woodend's industry mix suggests local employment growth of 6.8% in five years and 13.8% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Woodend SA2 has extremely high national incomes. The median income is $60,223 and the average is $87,859. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 are approximately $66,016 (median) and $96,311 (average). Census data reveals incomes in Woodend cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 27.7% of residents fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, aligning with metropolitan regions at 30.3%. A substantial proportion, 34.5%, earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Woodend is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Woodend's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.0% houses and 7.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodend was at 42.9%, aligning with Regional Vic.'s figure. Mortgaged dwellings were at 42.5% and rented dwellings at 14.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Woodend was $2,000, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Woodend was recorded at $392, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Woodend's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Woodend features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.2% of all households, including 35.4% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Woodend places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Woodend's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 39.2% have university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 25.4% in the SA4 region. The area has a strong educational advantage with bachelor degrees being the most common at 23.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (18.0%). Educational participation is high in Woodend, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Woodend has five active public transport stops operating, offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by eight different routes, collectively facilitating 326 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 1312 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, and car remains the primary mode of transport at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 39.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 46 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

Woodend's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Woodend's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high in Woodend, with approximately 63% of the total population (5,128 people) having it, compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and 55.7% nationally. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (8.8%) and arthritis (8.2%). A significant portion, 67.4%, of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,919 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

Woodend ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Woodend's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.2% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Woodend, comprising 41.1% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.2% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (30.5%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (12.2%). Notably, Scottish representation is higher at 10.3% in Woodend versus 8.8% regionally, Maltese at 0.9% versus 0.5%, and Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.4%.

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

Woodend's median age is 46, which is higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group makes up 15.7% of Woodend's population, compared to Regional Vic., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 4.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 6.7% to 8.9%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 6.6% to 4.9%. By 2041, Woodend is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 group projected to grow by 43%, reaching 1,820 people from 1,270.