Woy Woy (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Woy Woy has an estimated population of approximately 11,314 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 242 individuals (2.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 11,072 residents. This shift is derived from the resident population of 11,301, estimated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 76 validated new addresses post-Census. The population density stands at 708 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages across areas analyzed by Districts. The 2.2% growth rate in the suburb of Woy Woy since the census is within 0.4 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (2.6%), showing competitive local expansion. Recent population gains were almost exclusively driven by overseas migration.

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The local workforce is characterized by a high proportion of essential service workers, an unemployment rate of 5.9%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.5% over the past year. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 4,775. The unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is significantly lower at 52.3% compared to the Sydney average of 69.1%. Census records show 32.2% of working residents worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates a median income of $44,244 and an average income of $59,486. These figures sit below the national average and contrast with Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $48,810 for the median and $65,625 for the average. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and personal incomes between the 10th and 12th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket contains 26.9% of residents earning $400 - 799 weekly (3,043 individuals), whereas the dominant regional group (30.9%) falls within the - range. Housing cost pressures are pronounced, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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At the time of the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 62.1% detached houses and 37.9% other dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metro Sydney. Home ownership rates were high at 35.4%, with mortgaged properties making up 24.7% and rented properties accounting for 39.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,900, which is lower than the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent was $380, compared to Sydney's average of $470. Globally, local mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 59.4%, consisting of couples with children (19.9%), couples without children (24.1%), and single-parent households (14.1%). Non-family households account for the remaining 40.6%, which is mostly comprised of single-person households (37.1%) and group households (3.5%). The median household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The region shows lower rates of tertiary education, with university qualifications held by 18.4% of residents compared to the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher education qualification at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Technical and trade skills are common, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (27.4%).

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The local transit network consists of 149 active stops, incorporating ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are served by 59 different routes, which handle 4,396 passenger journeys per week. Transport links are highly accessible, with residents living an average of 133 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers travel outside the area for employment. Cars remain the primary transit mode at 77%, while trains carry 12% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 showed 32.2% of residents working from home, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Health assessments indicate notable challenges, highlighted by mortality rates and chronic illness rates across multiple age groups. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~5,712 individuals), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics are similar to regional averages, with 79.8% of residents born in Australia, 88.0% holding citizenship, and 90.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 53.3% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the local population compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 48 years is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 11.4% of the population, whereas the 25 - 34 age bracket is relatively small at 9.6%. This high concentration of 75 - 84 year-olds sits well above the national rate of 6.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 10.0% to 11.4%, while the 25 to 34 demographic has decreased from 10.6% to 9.6%. Projections for 2041 show significant changes, with the 75 to group forecast to grow by (adding residents to reach ). Seniors aged + are expected to account for of overall population growth, while the to and to age groups are projected to shrink.

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Woy Woy currently has an estimated 577 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 354 children aged 0-2 and 236 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 4% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 467 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 894. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.