Woollahra (NSW)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and recent address validations conducted by Districts since the Census indicates that the suburb of Woollahra has an estimated population of 7,514 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 325 people (4.5%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 7,189 residents. The figure is derived from a resident population of 7,508 estimated by Districts using the ABS demographic data release from June 2025, alongside an additional 83 validated new addresses identified after the Census date. This population size represents a density of 6,108 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top 10% of all national areas evaluated by Districts, which highlights the strong demand for local land. The suburb of Woollahra grew by 4.5% since the census, tracking within 1.1 percentage points of the broader SA3 region (5.6%) and showing competitive underlying growth. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, contributing approximately of the overall population increases in recent times.

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Based on Districts aggregations of statistical area data, the suburb of Woollahra has an exceptionally well-educated workforce, particularly in the technology industry, an unemployment rate of only 2.6%, and estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the last year. As of March 2026, there are 4,456 working residents, the local unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than the Greater Sydney rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is standard at 72.1% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents, 66.3%, worked from home, though this may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

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The latest postcode-level ATO statistics from Districts for financial year 2023 show that income levels in the suburb of Woollahra rank in the highest national percentile, with a median of $86,294 and an average of $217,455. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated estimates point to approximately $95,200 (median) and $239,896 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Woollahra in the 97th to 98th national percentiles. The largest income cohort comprises 40.2% of residents (3,020 people) earning in the $4000+ category, differing from regional patterns where the largest group, , falls into the - range. This large concentration of high-income earners ( earning above /week) demonstrates strong purchasing power in the suburb. High housing expenses consume of local income, but strong overall earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, and the local SEIFA income score is in the th decile.

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Dwelling distribution in the suburb of Woollahra at the time of the latest Census consisted of 17.9% houses and 82.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, units, and alternative formats), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metro Sydney. The home ownership rate of 37.3% in the suburb of Woollahra was higher than metro Sydney, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (25.8%) or rented (36.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $4,000, well above the metro Sydney average of $2,427, and the median weekly rent was $670, compared to $470 for metro Sydney. Locally, mortgage costs are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 59.9%, consisting of couples with children (23.1%), couples without children (27.4%), and single parents (8.2%). The remaining 40.1% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 33.6% and shared households accounting for 6.4%. The median household occupancy of 2.2 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational attainment in the suburb of Woollahra is significantly higher than broader measures, as 65.0% of residents aged 15+ have earned a university degree, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% across NSW. This high level of qualifications positions the local community well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 42.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (19.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational training accounts for 15.5% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (6.8%).

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Public transport data shows 32 active passenger stops operating in the suburb of Woollahra, consisting of bus services. These stops support 32 distinct routes, which generate 10,611 weekly passenger trips. Local transit accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 123 meters from their nearest stop. Because the suburb is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the area; driving remains the primary travel method at 57%, followed by walking at 15% and train travel at 14%. Household vehicle ownership averages 0.7 cars per home, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows that a high 66.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators in the suburb of Woollahra are highly positive, based on Districts assessments of mortality rates and chronic illness showing low rates of common health conditions across all demographics, while private health insurance rates are exceptionally high, covering about 112% of the population (8,438 people). This compares to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Woollahra shows a higher level of cultural diversity than most Australian local areas, with 15.8% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 34.4% born overseas. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 43.6% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 8.4% of residents, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 0.8%.

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The median age in the suburb of Woollahra is 41 years, which is higher than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 cohort is highly represented (9.3% locally compared to Greater Sydney), while 15 - 24 year-olds are less represented (10.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 demographic expanded from 15.9% to 17.4% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group grew from 9.0% to 10.2%, whereas the 65 to 74 demographic decreased from 11.0% to 8.6%. Age structure modeling indicates that the demographic profile will change by with the + cohort projected to grow the most at , adding residents to reach . This demographic shift is driven by residents aged and older, who represent of the projected growth, while population declines are expected in the to and to age ranges.

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Woollahra currently has an estimated 323 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 189 children aged 0-2 and 126 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 18% by 2041 (to approximately 266 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 688. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.