Woolgoolga (NSW)

Detail

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Woolgoolga's population is estimated at around 6,809 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 658 people (10.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,151 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,799, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 203 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 124 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of Woolgoolga's 10.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

Detail

The local workforce is characterized by diverse industry representation and solid skill levels, featuring a low unemployment rate of 3.3% alongside an estimated job growth rate of 2.1% over the past year. As of March 2026, the employed resident count stands at 2,933. The jobless rate is 0.8% lower than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, whereas the participation rate of 52.6% falls well below the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census records indicate that only 9.4% of the working population worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by lockdown restrictions.

Detail

Postcode data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates that local incomes are lower than national averages, with a median of $40,892 and an average of $50,308. These figures compare to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting these values for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields estimated current figures of approximately $45,112 for the median and $55,500 for the average as of March 2026. Census statistics from 2021 place personal, family, and household incomes in the area within the 12th to 16th percentiles nationwide. The local earning distribution shows that 27.5% of residents (1,872 individuals) earn between $400 - 799, whereas the broader region is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 29.9%. Affordability pressures are high, leaving residents with only 83.0% of their income after housing costs, which sits in the 13th percentile nationally.

Detail

At the time of the last Census, the local housing stock consisted of 82.8% freestanding houses and 17.2% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to Regional NSW averages of 82.6% and 17.4% respectively. Home ownership was common, with 46.5% of dwellings owned outright, while 23.3% were mortgaged and 30.2% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 matched the Regional NSW benchmark, whereas the median weekly rent of $360 was higher than the Regional NSW average of $330. When compared nationally, mortgage payments are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

Detail

Family households represent 65.0% of the local dwelling occupancy, consisting of couples with children at 24.2%, couples without children at 28.8%, and single parent households at 11.6%. The remaining 35.0% consists of non-family households, which are divided into single person households at 29.9% and group living situations at 5.0%. The median household occupancy is 2.4 people, matching the average across Regional NSW.

Detail

Educational profiles indicate that university graduation rates are relatively low, with 19.9% of residents holding a tertiary degree compared to the NSW benchmark of 32.2%. This gap presents an opportunity for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 24.7%.

Detail

Public transport services in the suburb of Woolgoolga include 92 active stops, which are serviced by a combination of bus routes. A total of 36 distinct routes operate across these stops, offering 352 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is high, with the average distance to a stop measuring 188 meters. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the area, with 93% of workers travelling by car and 5% walking. Vehicle ownership is lower than the regional average, at 1.3 cars per household. A small proportion of residents work from home, at 9.4% according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Detail

Health assessments indicate notable challenges within the community based on mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across multiple age groups. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 47% of residents (~3,193 people) holding cover. This compares to a coverage rate of 51.9% in Regional NSW and a nationwide average of 55.7%.

Detail

Cultural diversity is high compared to most regional locations, with 25.5% of residents born outside Australia and 23.8% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 40.1% of the population. A key demographic feature is the overrepresentation of the Other religious category, which accounts for 19.1% of residents compared to a Regional NSW average of 0.8%.

Detail

The median age of the suburb of Woolgoolga is 45 years, which is higher than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 15.3% of the local population compared to the national average of 9.4%, while the 15 - 24 age bracket is underrepresented at 9.2%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 7.9% to 9.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has grown from 11.4% to 13.1%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 13.2% to 11.0%, and the 25 to 34 group fell from 13.6% to 12.4%. Long-term projections indicate that by 2041, the 85+ cohort is expected to increase by 319 people (117%) from 272 to 592, while the 65 to 74 age group is projected to decrease by 5.

Detail

Woolgoolga currently has an estimated 374 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 232 children aged 0-2 and 155 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 22% by 2041 (to approximately 456 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 629. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.