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 was approximately 5,120 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 519 people, a rise of 11.3% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 4,601. The change is estimated from the ABS's June 2024 figure of 5,081 and the addition of 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3.0 persons per square kilometer. Toodyay's growth rate exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and its SA4 region during this period. Interstate migration was the primary driver, contributing approximately 85.3% of overall population gains.

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 post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch employs 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 suggest an increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities. By 2041, Toodyay's population is expected to rise by 642 persons, representing a total increase of 11.8% over the seventeen-year period.

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 FY25191 homes were approved, with a further 18 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 2.7 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed during this period, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $244,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $14.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating consistent commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of WA, Toodyay shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 35.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period from FY21 to FY25.

This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. All recent development has been 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 a growing market. Population forecasts indicate Toodyay will gain 603 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Toodyay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre Redevelopment, The Views Bullsbrook Estate, Bullsbrook Intermodal Transport Facility, and MEG-HP1 Northam Hydrogen Project. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Toodyay demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Toodyay has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, lower than the Rest of WA's 3.2%.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year. As of June 2025, 2,516 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below the regional average. Workforce participation is lower at 50.8%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and mining.

The area specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times higher than the regional level. Accommodation & food services have limited presence at 4.2%, compared to the regional average of 7.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparisons. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% while labour force decreased by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1% and unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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 growth could be approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Toodyay's median income among taxpayers was $51,545 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $69,715 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of WA which were $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,864 (median) and $79,615 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Toodyay all fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. The income bracket indicating earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 captures 27.6% of the community (1,413 individuals). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.1% in the same category. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

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

In Toodyay, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.9% of dwellings were houses, with 2.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toodyay stood at 45.8%, similar to Non-Metro WA's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (42.1%) or rented (12.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,564, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,425. The median weekly rent in Toodyay was $285, compared to Non-Metro WA's $231. Nationally, Toodyay's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,564 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially 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 constitute 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's university qualification rate is 15.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 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 (12.1%) and certificates (32.5%). Educational participation is high at 27.3%, including 10.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Toodyay District High School serves the area with an enrollment of 276 students. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. Local school capacity is limited at 5.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.2, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates two active public transport stops in Toodyay, both offering bus services. These stops are served by three different routes combined, resulting in 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as limited, with residents generally situated 7238 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages around three trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 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 common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is notably high at approximately 54%, covering around 2,785 people. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.0% and 8.8% of residents respectively. However, 62.5% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the rest of WA. Toodyay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 25.4% (1,300 people), than the rest of WA's 21.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are particularly 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 below average cultural diversity, with 82.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (75.1%), speaking English only at home (96.2%). Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 43.2% of Toodyay's population. The most significant overrepresentation is found in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.9% compared to 0.5% across the rest of WA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (35.1%), Australian (28.8%), and Scottish (8.4%). Notably, Welsh (1.2%) is overrepresented in Toodyay compared to the regional average of 0.6%. Similarly, New Zealanders make up 1.1% of Toodyay's population, higher than the regional average of 0.8%, and Dutch ancestry is also slightly overrepresented at 1.6% versus 1.5%.

Toodyay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Toodyay has a median age of 53, which is higher than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 19.4% of Toodyay's population, compared to 12.7% in Rest of WA and 11.2% nationally. Post the 2021 Census, the median age decreased by 1.4 years to 53 due to an increase in younger residents. The 35-44 age group grew from 8.9% to 10.6%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.3% to 11.5%, and the 55-64 group decreased from 21.0% to 19.4%. By 2041, Toodyay's population is forecasted to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 49%, adding 216 residents to reach 657. Conversely, declines are expected in the 85+ and 75-84 cohorts.