Drouin

Drouin lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

By Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Drouin statistical area (Lv2) was around 18,768. This figure reflects a growth of 3,481 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,287. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 16,754 in June 2024 and an additional 321 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 358 persons per square kilometer. Drouin's growth rate of 22.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area average (7.9%) and the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Drouin (SA2) is projected to increase its population by 6,610 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 24.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Drouin was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Drouin averaged around 179 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 897 homes. So far in FY-26, 68 approvals have been recorded. An average of 2.9 new residents per year was gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $405,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $31.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Relative to Rest of Vic., Drouin shows comparable building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area, though construction activity has eased recently. This level is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Drouin reflects a developing area with around 121 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Drouin will gain 4,663 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Drouin 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 12 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects are Drouin Fields Estate, Highfields, The Fairways Estate, and Drouin Primary School Upgrade and Modernisation. Below is a list detailing 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Drouin ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Drouin's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.6%. This figure is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 8,045 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is 0.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was at par with Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%.

The leading employment industries among Drouin's residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction employment levels were at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 3.7% of Drouin's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6% and labour force increased by 4.3%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contract by 0.7%, labour force fall by 0.6%, and unemployment rise marginally during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Drouin's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that in Drouin, median income is $47,984 and average income is $56,444. In contrast, Rest of Vic. has a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,943 (median) and $61,101 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks Drouin's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 27th and 31st percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 33.8% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 30.3% fall into this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Drouin, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

Drouin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Drouin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Drouin stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.5% and rented dwellings at 22.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in Drouin was $330, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $320. Nationally, Drouin's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,647 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Drouin has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 72.7% of all households, including 29.2% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Vic.

Educational attainment in Drouin aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 31.4%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.7% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Drouin indicates that there are currently 51 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops consist of a mix of train and bus services. The routes servicing these stops total 17, collectively offering 1,018 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing approximately 435 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 145 trips per day, translating to roughly 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Drouin is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Drouin. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 49% of Drouin's total population (~9,235 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.7%) and arthritis (9.8%). Around 61.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.7% in the rest of Victoria. Drouin has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,753 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Drouin is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Drouin, as per the census data from 5 June 2016, showed a below average cultural diversity with 86.2% of its population born in Australia and 90.7% being citizens. The majority, 94.8%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.7% of the population.

While Judaism's representation was not significantly different from the rest of Victoria at 0.1%, there were notable overrepresentations in other religions: Buddhism (2.3% vs 4.9%), Hinduism (1.8% vs 2.7%), and Islam (1.6% vs 3.2%). In terms of ancestry, English was the most represented group at 32.6%, followed by Australian at 30.8%, and Scottish at 8.1%. Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Dutch were slightly overrepresented at 2.8% (vs 2.7%), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%), and South African at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

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

Drouin's median age is 38, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.4% of Drouin's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.6%, lower than Rest of Vic. Post the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group increased from 11.3% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 11.7% to 10.6%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Drouin's age profile. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 50%, reaching 4,052 people from 2,702. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group will see modest growth of 0%, adding only 7 residents.