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, the Berwick statistical area's population is estimated at around 55,392 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 5,094 people (10.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,298 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 54,609 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1,574 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,668 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Berwick's 10.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast for the Berwick (SA2), with an expected growth of 16,512 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 28.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Berwick shows around 493 new homes approved each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 2,465 homes were approved, with an additional 219 approved so far in FY-26. This results in about 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these years, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics.

The average construction value of new properties is $504,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $77.8 million, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Berwick has 58.0% more development activity per person. New developments consist of 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

With around 119 people per approval, Berwick reflects an evolving area. Population forecasts indicate Berwick will gain 15,812 residents by 2041, suggesting current construction levels should meet demand adequately and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Casey Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Berwick South Development Plan, Beaconsfield Primary School Modernisation, and Berwick Health and Education Precinct. 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 labour market in Berwick shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Berwick has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of a recent period, with estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year.

As of September 2025, there were 30,965 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was at 66.9%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among 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%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections vary based on industry-specific growth rates. Applying these projections to Berwick's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

In financial year 2023, Berwick suburb had median taxpayer income of $55,520 and average income of $82,160. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,100 (median) and $88,938 (average), based on 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Berwick's household, family, and personal incomes are at the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 35.3% of locals (19,553 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, slightly higher than the surrounding region's 32.8%. Housing expenses account for 14.7% of income. Berwick residents rank in the 75th percentile for disposable income and have a SEIFA income ranking in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Berwick, as evaluated at the latest Census held in 2016, consisted of 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berwick was at 29.5%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (47.7%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of June 2018, was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,900 and national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Berwick, also as of June 2018, was $400, exceeding the Melbourne metro's $370 and national figure of $375.

Berwick features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

In Berwick, the percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university degrees is 29.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This difference suggests potential for educational advancement and skill enhancement in the region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also significant, with 33.1% of residents holding them; advanced diplomas account for 12.6% and certificates for 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 225 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes, collectively facilitating 5,902 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 243 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 843 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Berwick is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Berwick demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this is higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 59% of Berwick's total population of 32,808 people have private health cover, compared to 52.9% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in Berwick are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.6% and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 71.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is similar to the 72.0% figure across Greater Melbourne. Berwick has 8,253 people aged 65 and over, representing 14.9% of its population. Health outcomes among seniors in Berwick present some challenges that require more attention than those seen in 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 high cultural diversity, with 35.4% born overseas and 29.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.9%. Buddhism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, at 4.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.4%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (13.9%). Sri Lankan, Hungarian, and Dutch ethnicities are notably more prevalent in Berwick than regionally.

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. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Berwick has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 13.4% to 14.2%. Conversely, the population aged 25-34 has declined from 10.8% to 10.2%. By 2041, Berwick's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 3,205 people and reaching a total of 11,237 from the current 8,031. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow by 6%, adding 193 residents.