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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Woodend's population is around 8,084 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 135 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,949 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,035 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 68 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Woodend has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.6% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 53.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 2,874 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 35.0% in total over the 17 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 around 33 residential properties granted approval per year, with 166 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.7 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $502,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $10.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Woodend has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 42nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing homes. New building activity shows 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 412 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Woodend is expected to grow by 2,825 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Hanging Rock to Daylesford Shared Trail, the Hamilton Road Reconstruction from New Gisborne to Riddells Creek, the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, and the Kyneton Recycled Water Irrigation Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Woodend has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.5%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,994 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a high 39.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 2.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 2.1% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Woodend. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Woodend's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note 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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Woodend SA2 is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $60,223 while the average income stands at $87,859. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $65,191 (median) and $95,107 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Woodend cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 27.7% of the population (2,239 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (34.5% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the district. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and 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

Dwelling structure within Woodend, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.0% houses and 7.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Woodend was in line with that of Regional Vic., at 42.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.5%) or rented (14.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Vic. average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $392, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Woodend's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 77.2% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is 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

Educational attainment in Woodend significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 25.4% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (18.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ 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

Public transport analysis reveals 5 active transport stops operating within Woodend, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 326 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1312 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 39.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (5,117 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.8% and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 67.4% declared themselves as 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 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,879 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.2% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Woodend is Christianity, which makes up 41.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Woodend are English, comprising 30.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 12.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 10.3% of Woodend (vs 8.8% regionally), 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

With a median age of 46, Woodend is slightly older than the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 45 - 54 age group shows strong representation at 15.9% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 5.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 6.6% to 5.2%. By 2041, Woodend is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 45% (573 people), reaching 1,860 from 1,286.