Woonona (NSW)

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Based on demographic assessments by Districts utilizing ABS data and verified addresses, the suburb of Woonona has a population estimated at 12,446 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 72 people (0.6%) compared to the 2021 Census headcount of 12,374. This updated figure is derived from a baseline of 12,443 residents estimated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 46 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The local population density stands at 1,830 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density across national locations examined by Districts. Recent population gains were almost exclusively driven by net arrivals from overseas.

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The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education and a strong representation in key public service sectors, maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.7% alongside a 2.4% expansion in total employment over the previous year. As of March 2026, there are 6,364 working residents. The local jobless rate is 0.4% lower than the 4.1% recorded across Regional NSW, while participation in the labor force is typical, standing at 63.4% compared to the regional benchmark of 60.6%. Census records indicate that 37.7% of employed residents worked from home, though these figures were likely influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Local tax statistics show that residents earn incomes that rank very high on a national scale. The median tax-paying resident records an income of $55,344, while the average income is $76,160, compared to Regional NSW benchmarks of $52,390 and $65,215. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $61,056 for the median and $84,020 for the average. Census data places general household and individual incomes around the 50th percentile nationally. The most prominent earnings cohort consists of 27.8% of households making between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (representing 3,459 residents), which aligns with the broader regional pattern where 29.9% fall into this bracket. Housing expenses account for 15.8% of household earnings, but healthy income levels keep disposable resources in the th percentile, placing the area in the th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 63.2% standalone houses and 36.8% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses and flats, differing from the Regional NSW profile of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwelling types. Home ownership rates match the regional average of 38.0%, with remaining properties held under mortgages (36.7%) or occupied by tenants (25.3%). Typical housing costs are elevated, with median monthly mortgage payments at $2,200 and median weekly rent at $395, compared to regional medians of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, while rental costs exceed the national average of $375.

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Families make up 70.8% of local households, comprising couples with children at 33.5%, couples without children at 25.1%, and single parents at 11.5%. The remaining 29.2% are non-family households, consisting of sole occupants at 27.4% and group shared arrangements at 1.9%. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Higher education is highly prevalent locally, with university degree holders making up 29.5% of residents aged 15 and over, compared to 21.3% across the Rest of NSW and 25.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%. Vocational and technical qualifications are also common, with 36.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificate-level training at 24.8%.

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The local public transport network features 52 active train and bus stops. These stops are served by 28 routes, which provide 1,611 passenger journeys weekly. Public transport access is good, with residents living an average of 236 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, resulting in a high rate of outward commuting, with cars being the primary mode of travel for 92% of working residents. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars per dwelling. Additionally, 37.7% of working residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

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Assessments of mortality and long-term illnesses indicate notable health concerns within the population, with chronic conditions present across all age groups but showing higher rates among senior residents. Private health insurance enrollment is high, covering approximately 57% of the population, which represents about 7,095 people, compared to a coverage rate of 51.9% across Regional NSW.

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The local population displays lower levels of cultural diversity than typical, with 84.8% of residents born in Australia, 92.6% holding citizenship, and 93.6% speaking only English at home. Adherents of Christianity represent the largest religious affiliation at 54.1% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The median age of residents is 43, which matches the Regional NSW average of 43 and is older than the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of residents aged 45 to 54 at 13.5%, while the 25 to 34 age bracket is smaller at 9.9% than is typical regionally. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of youth aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.0% to 13.4%, while children aged 5 to 14 decreased from 13.3% to 11.9%. Demographics are expected to shift significantly by 2041, with the group aged 85 and over projected to expand by 68% (adding 304 people) to reach residents from a base of . Senior cohorts aged and over are expected to account for of total population growth, while populations in the to and to age brackets are projected to contract.

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Woonona currently has an estimated 647 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 403 children aged 0-2 and 268 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 698 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,274. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.