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, as of February 2026, is approximately 8,084, indicating a rise of 135 individuals since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 1.7% growth from the previous figure of 7,949 people. The change can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 8,035 in June 2024 and the addition of 68 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Woodend has shown steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming its SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 53.5% 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is projected to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 2,874 persons, reflecting a total gain of 35.0% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 166 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.7 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $502,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, Woodend has recorded around $10.3 million in approvals this financial year, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Woodend has approximately two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 42nd percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

New building activity in Woodend shows a dominance of detached houses at 88.0%, with townhouses or apartments comprising 12.0%. This preserves the area's low density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 412 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Looking ahead, Woodend is projected to grow by approximately 2,825 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the 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 performance in Woodend ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Woodend has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of September 2025, which is below the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 3,979 residents are in work and workforce participation is at par with Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 39.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training sectors. Woodend has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.1% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, labour force by 2.6%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7% and labour force contracted by 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Woodend's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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 is $60,223 and the average is $87,859. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $65,191 (median) and $95,107 (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 income range, aligning with metropolitan regions at 30.3%. A substantial proportion, 34.5%, earn above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of their 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 structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 92.0% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Non-Metro Vic., in comparison, had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodend stood at 42.9%, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (42.5%) or rented (14.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Woodend was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863. Weekly rent median stood at $392, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 Rest of 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 standards. Among residents aged 15 and above, 39.2% possess university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 25.4% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is driven by a high proportion of bachelor degrees (23.6%), postgraduate qualifications (10.1%), and graduate diplomas (5.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (18.0%). Educational participation is notably high in Woodend, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (11.5%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

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 serving a mix of train services. Eight different routes operate through these stops, collectively facilitating 326 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Woodend is limited, with residents typically located 1312 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential and most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 89%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 46 trips per day, 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 younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high in Woodend, with approximately 63% of the total population (5,117 people), compared to 50.5% in the rest of Victoria and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.8% of residents and arthritis impacting 8.2%. Notably, 67.4% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the 63.4% reported in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical for the area. Woodend has 23.2% of its population aged 65 and over (1,879 people), with health outcomes among seniors ranking particularly strong and even higher than the national average.

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

Woodend showed low cultural diversity, with 83.2% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 41.1%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.5%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (12.2%). Scottish, Maltese, and Welsh groups were notably higher than regional averages: Scottish at 10.3% vs 8.8%, Maltese at 0.9% vs 0.5%, and Welsh at 0.7% vs 0.4%.

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

Woodend's median age is 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group makes up a strong 15.9% of Woodend's population compared to Rest of Vic., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 5.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.5%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 9.7% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 6.6% to 5.2%. By 2041, Woodend is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 group leading this demographic shift by growing by 45%, reaching 1,860 people from the current figure of 1,286.