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 validation, the suburb of Berwick's estimated population as of Feb 2026 is around 55,554. This reflects a growth of 5,256 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,298. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 54,609 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 1,621 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,673 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Berwick's growth of 10.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 7.0% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration 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, 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 a method of weighted aggregation of population growth 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 16,515 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 28.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Berwick has seen approximately 494 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 2,471 homes were approved, with a further 240 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these five years accommodates about 1.5 new residents per year.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the market for residential properties, which are being constructed at an average expected cost of $504,000, indicating a focus on premium dwellings. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $77.8 million, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Berwick has seen 58.0% more development activity per capita. This increased activity provides buyers with greater choice in new developments, which consist of 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character.

With around 119 people per approval, Berwick reflects a growing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Berwick is projected to gain approximately 15,570 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially facilitating growth that exceeds current 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 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 employment environment in Berwick shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Berwick has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2%. As of December 2025, 31,210 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 73.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 28.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The key 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%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.2%, while labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national 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 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'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 of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Berwick would be approximately $60,100 (median) and $88,938 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Berwick cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that 35.3% of locals (19,610 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region's 32.8%. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income. Berwick residents rank within the 75th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Berwick, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Berwick was 29.5%, similar to Melbourne metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 47.7%, while rented dwellings made up 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with the Melbourne metro average. However, the median weekly rent figure in Berwick was recorded at $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Berwick's median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly 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 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, which is 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 Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This gap indicates 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 are prominent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (20.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.2% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 19 routes, providing 5,902 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 243 meters, indicating good accessibility. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 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. There are an average of 843 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual 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

Berwick's health data shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions largely matching national averages. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher in older, at-risk groups.

Private health cover is high at 59% of Berwick's total population (32,904 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are most common, affecting 7.6% and 7.4% respectively, while 71.6% report no medical ailments, close to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes than average. Berwick has 15.5% of residents aged 65 and over (8,610 people), with seniors facing some health challenges but ranking 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 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 people. Buddhism is overrepresented in Berwick at 4.9%, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.4%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (13.9%). Notably, Sri Lankan ethnicity is overrepresented at 2.3% in Berwick versus the regional average of 0.8%. Hungarian ethnicity is also higher than average at 0.6%, compared to 0.3% regionally, and Dutch ethnicity is overrepresented at 2.0% versus 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 proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.0%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 13.4% to 14.4%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 10.8% to 10.0%. By 2041, Berwick's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 3,225 people and reaching a total of 11,225 from the current 7,999. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 9%, with an increase of 251 residents.