Toodyay

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

According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Toodyay stands at approximately 5,257 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 656 residents (14.3%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 4,601 people. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 5,251 combined with 41 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The resulting population density is 3.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density living. With a 14.3% expansion rate since the 2021 census, the area outpaced the national growth rate of 9.3% and its wider SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth hub. This demographic expansion was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 86.9% of the total population rise, though overseas migration and natural growth also made positive contributions.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are applied by AreaSearch to each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, and to calculate figures beyond 2032, growth rates by age bracket from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) are utilised. Looking ahead, population growth is projected to remain slightly below the median rate for regional locations outside capital cities, with the community expected to expand by 580 persons by 2041 based on recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total increase of 10.9% over the 16 years.

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

Toodyay has recorded approximately 38 new residential approvals annually, totaling 191 homes across the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 36 approvals have been logged. With an average of 3.4 new residents added for each completed home between FY-21 and FY-25, construction levels are failing to match demand, which typically intensifies buyer competition and drives prices upward. New dwellings carry an average construction value of $244,000, which is under the regional average and offers more economical options for buyers. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $14.1 million this financial year, pointing to steady business development.

Compared against the Rest of WA, residential approvals in Toodyay are moderately elevated, running 34.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which helps preserve purchasing options while supporting existing home values. Recent home building has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the established low density layout and providing spacious family properties. The area registers roughly 134 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a growing market.

Long-term projections indicate that Toodyay will add 574 residents by 2041, according to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures. Existing construction trends suggest that housing supply is on track to satisfy demand, establishing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current projections.

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

Regional performance is closely linked to planning updates, major projects, and infrastructure changes. AreaSearch has tracked 7 projects expected to influence the local area. Key developments include the Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre Redevelopment, The Views Bullsbrook Estate, the Bullsbrook Intermodal Transport Facility, and Kingsford at Bullsbrook Estate, with details provided on the most significant projects.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Toodyay has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

The local workforce displays a balanced mix of white and blue collar jobs, with strong representation in industrial and manufacturing sectors, alongside a low unemployment rate of 3.8%. Employment statistics for March 2026 show 2,426 working residents, with unemployment sitting 0.3% higher than the Regional WA average of 3.5%. Participation in the labour market is notably low at 56.1% compared to 65.6% across Regional WA. According to Census records, a moderate 14.3% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary employment fields for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and mining. Public administration & safety shows a strong concentration, with its share of local employment reaching 1.5 times the regional proportion. Conversely, accommodation & food services is underrepresented, accounting for 4.2% of local jobs compared to 7.1% regionally. Comparing the count of local jobs to the resident workforce suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat limited.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the year ending March 2026, the local labour force contracted by 5.2% and employment fell by 7.3%, resulting in a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA saw a minor employment reduction of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25 offer additional perspective on potential workforce trends. These five and ten-year national projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Projecting these national industry trends onto Toodyay's specific workforce mix points to an estimated local job growth of 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, noting this is a basic weighted extrapolation that excludes local population forecasts.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Tax data from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year ranks income levels in the Toodyay SA2 as very high on a national scale. Taxpayers in the area recorded a median income of $53,711 and an average income of $75,075, compared to Regional WA figures of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated figures of approximately $59,582 for median income and $83,281 for average income as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and personal incomes all place between the 14th and 18th percentiles nationally. The most common earnings bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 27.6% of the population (1,450 individuals), close to the wider metropolitan level of 31.1%. Disposable income remaining after housing costs stands at 85.4%, which ranks in the 20th percentile nationally.

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

According to the latest Census, residential structures in Toodyay consist of 97.9% houses and 2.1% other options like townhouses and apartments, compared to Regional WA where houses make up 88.5% and alternative options comprise 11.6%. Home ownership is high, with 45.8% of properties owned outright, while the remaining homes are mortgaged (42.1%) or rented (12.1%). The median monthly mortgage cost of $1,564 is slightly above the Regional WA average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent of $285 is also higher than the regional average of $265. On a national level, Toodyay's mortgage repayments are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially lower than the national median of $375.

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

Families represent the majority of households at 70.3%, consisting of couples without children at 40.5%, couples with children at 20.7%, and single parent households at 8.0%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.7%, with single person households representing 26.7% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size of 2.3 people is slightly below the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment levels present developmental opportunities, as the university qualification rate of 15.0% is below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 9.7% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational skills are highly prevalent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificate credentials at 32.5%.

Enrolment rates are high, with 27.3% of the population participating in formal education. Primary students make up 10.0% of residents, secondary students account for 8.8%, and tertiary students comprise 1.9%.

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

Public transport services in Toodyay consist of 2 active stops served by bus routes. These stops accommodate 3 routes providing 22 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 7238 meters from the nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the district, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 88%. Household vehicle ownership averages 2.0, exceeding the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows 14.3% of residents working from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Service patterns show an average of 3 daily trips per route, which translates to roughly 11 weekly trips at each transport 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

Public health metrics for Toodyay are generally positive, with analysis of health conditions and mortality rates showing results that align with national averages. The prevalence of standard health conditions remains typical across all age brackets, and private health insurance coverage is high, representing about 57% of the community or approximately 2,975 people.

The primary medical conditions recorded among residents are arthritis at 11.0% and mental health issues at 8.8%. In contrast, 62.5% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Chronic illnesses present a challenge for the working-age cohort. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 26.4% of the local population (1,388 people), higher than the 19.2% average for Regional WA. Health outcomes for this older demographic are particularly positive, ranking higher than national averages for the broader public.

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

Cultural diversity measures are below national averages, with citizens making up 82.5% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 75.1%, and English-only speakers representing 96.2% of households. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, covering 43.2% of residents. The most distinct variation is in the Other category, which represents 0.9% of the population compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the primary heritages identified are English at 35.1%, Australian at 28.8%, and Scottish at 8.4%. Some smaller groups show higher representation compared to regional averages, including Welsh at 1.2% (versus 0.6% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (versus 0.9%), and Dutch at 1.6% (versus 1.5%).

Toodyay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 53, Toodyay's population is older than the Regional WA median of 40 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 20.0% of the population, well above the national rate of 11.2%, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 7.9%. Since the 2021 Census, younger cohorts have lowered the median age by 1.1 years to 53. The 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 7.8% to 9.9% and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.3% to 10.9%. Projections to 2041 point to demographic shifts, led by a 42% increase in the 25 to 34 cohort, adding 175 residents to reach 590, while the 85+ and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to decrease.