Urban Centre · Area profile
Woodend
6 km²
Rapid growth has transformed Woodend since 2011, with the population climbing 67% to reach 4,663 people. This is an affluent and well-qualified community where the typical resident is 45, making it noticeably older than the state and national figures. The area is defined by high earners and a strong preference for large, detached family homes. It serves as a professional hub where many residents work from home and enjoy a high standard of living in the Macedon Ranges.
Explore Woodend by topic
The population is notably older, with seniors making up 23.8% of the community, a figure well above the national average. However, there are also more children under 15 than in most similar areas, and the typical age has risen by five years since 2011.
While 16.7% of residents were born overseas, this is far below the Victorian and Australian averages. English, Australian, and Irish are the most common ancestries in the area.
English is the primary language for 91.6% of the community. Those using another language at home make up 4.9% of the population, which is higher than in most similar areas but far below the state average.
A majority of residents report having no religion, at 53.9%. This figure is far above the national average and has risen by 18 points since 2011.
The community is highly qualified, with 35.9% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is well above the national figure and reflects a significant increase of 28 points since 2011.
Incomes are high, with the typical weekly family income reaching $2,391. About 29.4% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, which is among the highest for its level.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in the state, affecting 33.3% of people. Mental health conditions are also slightly more frequent, at 10.7%.
Community spirit is high, with a volunteer rate of 21.8% that is well above the national figure. More people here provide unpaid care and look after children compared to most other areas.
Families are larger than usual, with an average of 2.5 people per home. About 56.4% of households consist of couples with children.
Large homes dominate the landscape, with 83.7% having three or more bedrooms. Many residents own their homes outright, and 87.2% of dwellings are separate houses.
Working from home is very common here, with 34.0% of the workforce doing so—far above the national average. Most households rely on cars, with only 3.6% owning no vehicle.
The area is quite dynamic, as 44.6% of residents have moved house in the last five years. This movement is higher than in most other areas across the state.
The local workforce is well-employed with a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Many residents work as professionals or managers, particularly in health, education, and technical fields.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.3, far below the state average. Many homes lack easy walking access to health services, groceries, or public transport.