Toodyay

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

Toodyay's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 5,120 people. This figure represents an increase of 519 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,601 people. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,081 in June 2024 and the addition of 31 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3.0 persons per square kilometer. Toodyay's population grew by 11.3% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, surpassing the national average growth rate of 8.9%. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 85.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers contributing positively to growth.

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 and for estimating growth post-2032, AreaSearch employs the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities. By 2041, Toodyay's population is expected to grow by 642 persons, reflecting a total increase of 11.8% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Toodyay has experienced approximately 38 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 191 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 2.7 people have moved to the area annually for each new home constructed during these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average cost of $244,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This year has seen $14.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Comparatively, Toodyay shows moderately higher new home approvals than the rest of WA, with 35.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. All recent development has comprised detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 131 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Toodyay is forecasted to gain 603 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Toodyay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the redevelopment of Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre, The Views Bullsbrook Estate, Bullsbrook Intermodal Transport Facility, and MEG-HP1 Northam Hydrogen Project. Below is a list detailing those considered most relevant.

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 performance in Toodyay has been broadly consistent with national averages

Toodyay has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.3% as of September 2025. It employs 2,508 residents, with an unemployment rate 1.0% lower than Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Workforce participation is 50.8%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and mining. Public administration & safety shows strong specialization, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Accommodation & food has limited presence at 4.2% compared to 7.1% regionally.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Toodyay's labour force decreased by 4.1%, while employment declined by 3.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Toodyay's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income among taxpayers in Toodyay SA2 was $51,545 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $69,715 during the same period. Nationally, the median income for Rest of WA was $57,323 with an average of $71,163. By September 2025, estimates suggest Toodyay's median income could reach approximately $58,864 and the average might be around $79,615, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 14.2%. According to Census data, incomes in Toodyay fall between the 14th and 18th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 encompasses 27.6% of Toodyay's community, with 1,413 individuals in this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 31.1% fall into the same earnings band. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

The latest Census in Toodyay showed that 97.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toodyay was 45.8%, similar to Non-Metro WA. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Toodyay was $1,564, higher than the Non-Metro WA average of $1,425. The median weekly rent in Toodyay was $285, compared to $231 in Non-Metro WA. Nationally, Toodyay's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,564 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were lower at $285 compared to the national figure of $375.

Toodyay has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 70.3% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 40.5% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of WA.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 15.0%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, with a rate of 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.1% and certificates for 32.5%. Educational participation is high at 27.3%, including primary education (10.0%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

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

Transport analysis indicates two operational public transport stops in Toodyay. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with three distinct routes serving them collectively facilitating 22 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to these transport facilities is rated as limited, with an average distance of 7238 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately eleven weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Toodyay with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~2,785 people) have private health cover, a rate notably higher than other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (8.8%). Conversely, 62.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the rest of WA. Toodyay has 25.4% of its population aged 65 and over (1,300 people), exceeding the state average of 21.7%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming general population metrics.

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 have a cultural diversity below average, with 82.5% of its population being Australian citizens, 75.1% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Toodyay, comprising 43.2% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which makes up 0.9% of Toodyay's population compared to 0.5% across the rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (35.1%), Australian (28.8%), and Scottish (8.4%). There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh is overrepresented at 1.2% compared to 0.6% regionally, New Zealanders make up 1.1% versus 0.8%, and Dutch residents comprise 1.6% versus 1.5%.

Toodyay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Toodyay's median age is 53, which exceeds Rest of WA's figure of 40 and is well above Australia's national average of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 19.4% of Toodyay's population, higher than Rest of WA's percentage but lower compared to the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census, younger residents have lowered the median age by 1.4 years to 53. The 35-44 age group grew from 8.9% to 10.6%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 group declined from 14.3% to 11.5%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 21.0% to 19.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Toodyay. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 49%, adding 216 residents to reach 657. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 85+ and 75-84 cohorts.