Berwick

Population growth drivers in Berwick are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Berwick's population is estimated at around 55,751 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 5,453 people (10.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,298 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 55,693 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1,667 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,679 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Berwick's growth of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.2%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 15,417 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.6% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Berwick among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Berwick has seen approximately 494 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 2,471 homes were approved, with an additional 280 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, an average of 1.4 new residents per dwelling constructed has been recorded over these five years.

The average construction value for new properties is $504,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This financial year, there have been $77.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Berwick records 57.0% more development activity per person. New development consists of 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character with a focus on family homes.

With around 118 people per approval, Berwick reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Berwick is forecasted to gain 15,359 residents by 2041, indicating adequate housing supply should meet demand with current construction levels.

Berwick has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 43 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Casey Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Berwick South Development Plan, Berwick Health and Education Precinct, and Beaconsfield Primary School Modernisation. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Berwick shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Berwick has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Over the past year, employment grew by 4.3% as of December 2025.

In this month, 31,236 residents were employed, with a 1.2% lower unemployment rate compared to Greater Melbourne. Workforce participation in Berwick is 72.1%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant 28.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Key industries for employment among Berwick residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Professional & technical services have a limited presence with 7.7% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Berwick's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Berwick had a median taxpayer income of $55,520 and an average income of $82,160. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $60,861 and average income is $90,064. According to the 2021 Census, Berwick's incomes cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that 35.3% of locals (19,680 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region at 32.8%. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income. Berwick residents rank in the 75th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the 7th decile.

Berwick is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Berwick, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.9% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berwick stood at 29.5%, similar to Melbourne metro's level, with mortgaged dwellings making up 47.7% and rented ones comprising 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Berwick was $2,000, aligning with the Melbourne metro average, while the median weekly rent was $400 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Berwick's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Berwick features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.8% of all households, including 45.7% couples with children, 23.5% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Berwick shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Berwick trail regional benchmarks, with 29.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (20.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Berwick has 227 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 19 routes, offering 5,902 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 243 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 92%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 28.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 843 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Berwick's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Berwick residents. AreaSearch's analysis shows mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 59% of the total population (33,021 people) having it, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.6 and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 71.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (8,585 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Berwick was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Berwick's population shows significant cultural diversity, with 35.4% born overseas and 29.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Berwick, accounting for 45.9%. Notably, Buddhism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.9% of Berwick's population versus 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (22.4%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (13.9%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Sri Lankan is overrepresented at 2.3%, Hungarian at 0.6%, and Dutch at 2.0%.

Berwick's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Berwick is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Berwick has a higher concentration of 5-14 year-olds (14.3%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (10.5%). Between June 2021 Census and June 2026, the 15-24 age group grew from 13.4% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 15.2% to 14.3%. By June 2041, Berwick's population is expected to shift notably in terms of age composition. The 45-54 group will grow by 40%, reaching 11,079 residents from the previous figure of 7,916. The 0-4 group will display modest growth at 8%, adding only 231 residents.