Woodvale
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Woodvale's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was 9,579 people during the 2021 Census. By August 2025, it had increased to around 10,210, reflecting a rise of 631 individuals (6.6%) since the census date. This growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 10,240 as of June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census. The population density ratio is 1,418 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Woodvale's growth rate of 6.6% since the census places it within 2.0 percentage points of the national average (8.6%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch utilises ABS's growth rates by age cohort from its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, Woodvale is expected to increase by just below the median of statistical areas analysed, with a population expansion of 1,194 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of 12.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Woodvale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Woodvale has averaged approximately 27 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 139 dwellings approved over the past five years from FY-21 to FY-25, with one recorded so far in FY-26. On average, around 4.1 new residents have arrived per dwelling constructed annually during these years. This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new homes is $376,000, aligning with regional trends. In the current financial year, $1.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating Woodvale's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Woodvale records 11.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 20th percentile nationally regarding development levels, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This level is below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints in the area.

Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Woodvale's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for space-seeking buyers. With around 914 people per approval, Woodvale appears as a mature, established area. Population forecasts project an increase of 1,224 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Woodvale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may affect this area. Notable ones include Mixed-use Commercial Centre, Woodvale, Woodvale Corner Commercial Development, Chichester Park Skate Facility, and Heathridge Park Masterplan. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Woodvale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Woodvale has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, lower than the Greater Perth average of 3.9%.

In the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.5%. As of June 2025, 6,137 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% and workforce participation at 69.0%, close to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Key industries for local residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training employs a significant share of the workforce, at 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining employs just 5.4% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 7.0%. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, while labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment rose by 3.7% and unemployment rose slightly. Statewide, WA's employment contracted by 0.82% (14,590 jobs) as of Sep-25, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, compared to a national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Woodvale's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 financial year 2022 shows Woodvale has extremely high national incomes. The median is $60,501 and the average stands at $77,872. Greater Perth's figures are a median of $58,380 and an average of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $67,525 (median) and $86,913 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes rank exceptionally at the 85th percentile ($2,339 weekly). The earnings profile shows that 30.4% of locals (3,103 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region's 32.0%. A significant 36.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Woodvale's residential structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.5% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. This compares to Perth metro's figures of 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodvale stood at 43.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.0% and rented ones at 9.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,080. Weekly rent median was recorded at $480, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Woodvale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 84.0% of all households, including 42.6% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.0%, with lone person households at 15.0% and group households making up 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

Woodvale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Woodvale's university qualification level is 28.1%, slightly below Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (23.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.8% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education. Woodvale's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,506 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1079). Education provision is balanced with three primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 24.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 19.7, indicating Woodvale serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Woodvale has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 1,903 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 199 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 271 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Woodvale's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Woodvale showed robust health performance across all ages with low prevalence of common conditions.

Private health cover was high at approximately 59% (6,003 people). The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% and 6.9% respectively. A majority, 72.4%, reported no medical ailments compared to 71.5% in Greater Perth. Residents aged 65 and over constituted 22.2% (2,270 people), exceeding Greater Perth's 20.1%. Senior health outcomes were notably strong, outperforming the general population.

Woodvale was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Woodvale has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 11.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Woodvale, comprising 49.9% of the population, compared to 49.6% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups are English (34.1%), Australian (21.7%), and Irish (9.0%).

Notably, South African, Welsh, and Polish ethnicities are overrepresented in Woodvale at 1.9%, 1.0%, and 1.0% respectively, compared to regional percentages of 1.8%, 1.1%, and 0.9%.

Woodvale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Woodvale is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 make up a prominent 13.4%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 6.9%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.4% to 6.5%, with the 65 to 74 cohort increasing from 11.5% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 16.9% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Woodvale's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 818 people (124%) from 658 to 1,477. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting Woodvale's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.