Berwick

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations since Feb 2026, the suburb of Berwick's estimated population is around 55,554. This reflects a growth of 5,256 people (10.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,298. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 54,609 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 1,621 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,673 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Berwick's growth exceeded the SA3 area (7.0%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader regionally. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains recently, although all drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends forecast a significant population increase, with the suburb expected to grow by 16,522 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 28.2% 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 shows Berwick had approximately 493 new homes approved annually. Between FY21-FY25, around 2,465 homes were approved, with an additional 219 in FY26 to date. This results in about 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $504,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $77.8 million, reflecting 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 suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 119 people per approval, Berwick reflects a developing area with population forecasts indicating an increase of 15,658 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet housing demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially exceeding current growth forecasts.

Berwick has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects that may affect this region. 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 likely to be 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 a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, there were 30,963 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 73.3%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 28.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The primary industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Professional & technical services had a limited presence with 7.7% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Berwick. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Berwick's median income among taxpayers was $55,520 with the average at $82,160, ranking high nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,100 (median) and $88,938 (average), based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Berwick's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 66th percentile nationally. Distribution data showed that 35.3% of locals (19,610 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to surrounding regions at 32.8%. Housing accounted for 14.7% of income, with residents ranking in 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, comprised 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berwick was 29.5%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 47.7%, while rented dwellings were at 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Berwick was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. However, the median weekly rent figure in Berwick was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Berwick's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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, 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. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 20.5%. Educational participation is notably high with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.2% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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 that facilitate 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 outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles 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.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 843 trips per day, resulting in approximately 26 weekly trips per stop. The provided map illustrates 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 among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high, at approximately 59% of the total population (32,904 people), 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. 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 (8,555 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.4% of its population born overseas and 29.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Berwick, comprising 45.9% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Berwick compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 4.9% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.4%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (13.9%). Some ethnic groups are notably divergent: Sri Lankan at 2.3% in Berwick compared to 0.8% regionally, Hungarian at 0.6% versus 0.3%, and Dutch at 2.0% compared to 1.2%.

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

The median age in Berwick is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Berwick has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.4% to 14.4%, while the population aged 25-34 has decreased from 10.8% to 9.9%. By 2041, Berwick's age composition is expected to change significantly, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 40% (an increase of 3,237 people), reaching a total of 11,237 from its current figure of 7,999.