Woonona

NSW 2517 • Rest of NSW

12,374
Population (2021)
$94,432
Median Household Income
6.80 km²
Area
$395/wk
Median Rent
Beach LifestyleTrain ConnectedIllawarra CoastOcean Pool

About Woonona

Woonona is a coastal suburb north of Wollongong, where over 12,000 residents enjoy beach lifestyle and rail connectivity. The station provides South Coast Line access to both Wollongong and Sydney, though the journey is lengthy. The beach and ocean pool are excellent local assets.

Local shops provide village amenities, while Wollongong offers comprehensive services. The position between escarpment and ocean provides stunning natural setting. Woonona attracts families seeking coastal living with commuting options and retirees wanting beach lifestyle. It's Illawarra coastal living—scenic, connected, and community-focused.

Woonona falls under postcode 2517 and is governed by Wollongong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Keira electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2517
Urban Area
Wollongong
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.35°, 150.90°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
6.80 km²
Elevation
31m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Woonona for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$1.46M
142 sales · ▲ 2.3% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$845K
93 sales · ▲ 3% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$395
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,200
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
43 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
8.1%

350 state housing + 27 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
60 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
70-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-90 min

🛣️ Located 60 km from Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Wollongong Local Government Area, which contains Woonona. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
216.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
190.2 / 100k
Non-DV assault
342.5 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
11.3 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
371.3 / 100k

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
12,187
Census 2021
12,374
1.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,996
Personal Income 2021
$40,976
17.1% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$40,976 / yr
$788/wk
Household
$94,432 / yr
$1816/wk
Family
$124,228 / yr
$2389/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 10,141
Born Overseas 1,818

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 528
  • 2. New Zealand 127
  • 3. Scotland 102
  • 4. South Africa 84
  • 5. Italy 75
  • 6. Netherlands 64
  • 7. Germany 59
  • 8. United States 51
  • 9. Philippines 44
  • 10. Canada 34

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 5,242
Australian 5,161
Scottish 1,550
Irish 1,526
Italian 609
German 493
Australian Aboriginal 323
Dutch 285
Welsh 169
Maltese 118

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

7,433
Both parents born in Australia
2,439
Both parents born overseas
1,915
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.0%
No Religion
41.8%
Buddhism
0.7%
Islam
0.6%
Hinduism
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
654 (5.3%)
5-14 years
1,651 (13.3%)
15-19 years
769 (6.2%)
20-24 years
591 (4.8%)
25-34 years
1,205 (9.7%)
35-44 years
1,638 (13.2%)
45-54 years
1,719 (13.9%)
55-64 years
1,500 (12.1%)
65-74 years
1,266 (10.2%)
75-84 years
888 (7.2%)
85+ years
500 (4.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woonona known for? +

Woonona is a well-established residential suburb in Wollongong, NSW, with a population of approximately 12,374 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Woonona from Sydney CBD? +

Woonona is approximately 60 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 55-90 min drive outside peak hours.

Does Woonona have public transport? +

Woonona is served by local bus services connecting to the broader NSW network. Nearby train stations provide access to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Woonona? +

According to the 2021 Census, Woonona has a population of approximately 12,374 residents.

Is Woonona a good place to live? +

Woonona offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $52,796, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Woonona? +

The postcode for Woonona, NSW is 2517.

What is the average income in Woonona? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Woonona is about $788 per week (around $41,000 per year). The median household income is $1,816 per week and the median family income is $2,389 per week.

What is the median house price in Woonona? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $1,457,500, up 2.3% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $845,000, up 3% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Woonona? +

The median age in Woonona is 43. The largest age group is 45–54 (1,719 residents, around 14%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 21% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Woonona a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Woonona is part of the Wollongong LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Woonona? +

In Woonona, the median weekly rent is $395, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,200 (2021 Census).