Berwick

Population growth drivers in Berwick are strong compared to national averages 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 55,460 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 5,162 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,298 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 54,614, 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 1,670 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Berwick's 10.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.1%), along with the national average, 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 16,503 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 28.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Berwick has seen approximately 495 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 2,477 homes were approved, with an additional 174 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years accommodates about 1.5 new residents per year.

This results in a stable market dynamic between supply and demand. The average construction cost of new properties is around $504,000. In the current financial year, there have been $79.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Berwick records 59.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice.

New developments consist of 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 123 people per dwelling approval, Berwick exhibits characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, Berwick is projected to grow by approximately 15,735 residents based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Berwick has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones 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.

Employment performance in Berwick exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Berwick has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 30,487 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 66.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with 7.7% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, while labour force increased by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Berwick. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Berwick's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Berwick had a median income among taxpayers of $55,507 and an average income of $82,142. This was one of the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $62,257 and an average income of $92,130 as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Berwick were around the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution data showed that 35.3% of locals (19,577 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This was consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region, where 32.8% of residents were in the same income bracket. Housing expenses accounted for 14.7% of income, and strong earnings placed Berwick residents within the 75th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Berwick's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Berwick was 29.5%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.7% and rented ones at 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent figure in Berwick was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $370. Nationally, Berwick's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the 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

Educational qualifications in Berwick Trail show 29.7% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common (19.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 20.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education. There are 18 schools serving 11,449 students, with above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1072). The educational mix includes 7 primary, 4 secondary, and 7 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (20.6 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 16.0), suggesting the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region. Note: where school enrolments are 'n/a', please refer to the parent campus.

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

Berwick has 211 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 20 routes in total, facilitating 7,674 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 244 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,096 daily trips across all routes, translating to around 36 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. However, this is higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover in Berwick is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (32,848 people), compared to 53.6% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.6% and 7.4% of residents respectively. Seventy-one point six percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.0% across Greater Melbourne. Berwick has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (8,263 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

Berwick is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Berwick has a significant cultural diversity, with 35.4% of its population born overseas and 29.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Berwick, accounting for 45.9% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.9% versus 5.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.4%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (13.9%), which is lower than the regional average of 22.0%. Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Sri Lankan at 2.3% versus the regional average, Hungarian at 0.6% versus 0.7%, and Dutch at 2.0% versus 1.6%.

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

The median age in Berwick is 38 years, closely matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Berwick has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.2%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 15-24 grew from 13.4% to 14.2%, while the 25-34 age group decreased from 10.8% to 10.2%. By 2041, Berwick's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 40%, adding 3,194 people and reaching a total of 11,236 from the previous figure of 8,041. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow by 6%, with an increase of 188 residents.