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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Drouin is around 17,074. This figure represents an increase of 1,787 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,287. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 16,776 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 321 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 326 persons per square kilometer. Drouin's growth rate of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (6.0%) and its SA4 region, indicating strong growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also being positive influences.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting with 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. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to increase by 6,551 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 36.9% 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 indicates Drouin averaged around 175 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 877 homes. As of FY26, 45 approvals have been recorded. Each year, approximately three new residents are gained per dwelling built, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $405,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year has seen $19.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Drouin shows comparable building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area, although construction activity has recently eased. Nationally, this level is above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

Recent construction comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Drouin's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 128 people per approval, Drouin reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Drouin is projected to gain 6,298 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Drouin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Drouin Fields Estate, Highfields, The Fairways Estate, and Drouin Primary School Upgrade and Modernisation. Below is a list of the most relevant ones.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment landscape in Drouin presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.7%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Drouin's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate was 3.7%.

The area had 7,636 residents employed, aligning with Rest of Vic.'s 3.8% unemployment rate and 57.4% workforce participation rate. Key employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stood out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 3.7% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Drouin's labour force decreased by 0.8%, with employment declining by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw a 0.9% employment decline and 0.4% labour force decline, with a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rate increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Drouin's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Drouin had a median taxpayer income of $47,984 and an average of $56,444 in financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic. having a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693. By September 2025, estimated incomes were approximately $53,819 (median) and $63,308 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, income rankings in Drouin were modest, between the 27th and 31st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort spanned 33.8% of locals (5,771 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region's 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, 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

The dwelling structure in Drouin, 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 was at 36.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (41.5%) or rented (22.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,647, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,600. The median weekly rent figure in Drouin was recorded at $330, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $320. Nationally, Drouin's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households are the most prevalent, accounting for 72.7% of all households. They include couples with children at 29.2%, couples without children at 30.6%, and single parent families at 11.8%. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for 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 and graduate diplomas, both at 2.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 42.4% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (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. Drouin's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,780 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1005) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

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

Analysis of public transport in Drouin shows 51 active transport stops operating, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 individual routes, collectively offering 1,058 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 435 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 151 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per 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. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 49% (~8,402 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 10.7% of residents and arthritis impacting 9.8%. Conversely, 61.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 63.7% in the rest of Victoria. Drouin has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.0% (3,414 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely mirroring those of 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's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed low cultural diversity with 86.2% born in Australia and 90.7% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 94.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 45.7%.

Judaism, at 0.1%, was slightly overrepresented compared to Rest of Vic's 0.1%. Top ancestral groups were English (32.6%), Australian (30.8%), and Scottish (8.1%). Dutch (2.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) were notably overrepresented while South African (0.4%) was slightly so, compared to regional averages of 2.7%, 0.3%, and 0.3% respectively.

Drouin's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Drouin has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of Vic's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.4% of Drouin's population, higher than Rest of Vic's figure, while the 55-64 cohort constitutes 10.6%, lower than Rest of Vic's percentage. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.6%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Drouin's age profile, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 64% (1,582 people), reaching a total of 4,041 from its current figure of 2,458.