Toodyay

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Toodyay's population is around 5,133 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 532 people (11.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,601 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,081 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.0 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Toodyay's 11.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (9.9%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 85.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to increase by 642 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Toodyay among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Toodyay has experienced around 38 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 191 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. 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), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $244,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $14.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Toodyay records somewhat elevated construction (35.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 131 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Toodyay will gain 590 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Toodyay has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre Redevelopment, The Views Bullsbrook Estate, Bullsbrook Intermodal Transport Facility, and Kingsford at Bullsbrook Estate, 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, Toodyay has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Toodyay possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. As of December 2025, 2,471 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.2% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and mining. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, accommodation & food has a limited presence with 4.2% employment compared to 7.1% 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, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.4% while employment declined by 6.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Toodyay. 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 Toodyay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Toodyay SA2's income level is very high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Toodyay SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,711 and the average income stands at $75,075, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,878 (median) and $82,297 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Toodyay all fall between the 14th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.6% of the community (1,416 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.1% in the same category. After housing, 85.4% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 20th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Toodyay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Toodyay was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 45.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.1%) or rented (12.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,564, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $285, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Toodyay's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Toodyay has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.3% of all households, comprising 20.7% couples with children, 40.5% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (32.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 2 active transport stops operating within Toodyay, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 7238 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 88%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 14.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Toodyay's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Toodyay residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~2,905 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.0 and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 62.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,253 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Toodyay was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.5% of its population being citizens, 75.1% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Toodyay is Christianity, which makes up 43.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Toodyay are English, comprising 35.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.8% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Toodyay (vs 0.6% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.9%) and Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.5%).

Toodyay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 52, Toodyay notably exceeds the Regional WA figure of 40 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (19.7% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.0%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Since 2021, the median age has decreased by 1.6 years from 54 to 52, indicating a younger demographic shift. Specifically, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 11.0% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 7.7% to 6.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Toodyay's age structure. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 42%, adding 194 residents to reach 657. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts.