Drysdale

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the Census, the suburb of Drysdale had an estimated population of 6,509 as of May 2026. This figure represents a growth of 1,533 people (30.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,976. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 6,495 in June 2025 and an additional 142 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 171 persons per square kilometer. Drysdale's growth exceeded that of Rest of Vic (4.3%) and its SA4 region since the 2021 census, making it a notable growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the suburb of Drysdale is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, the population is projected to increase by 4,421 persons, reflecting a total gain of 67.7% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Drysdale shows around 89 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 445 homes. Up to FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 new residents are expected for every home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which may influence prices and competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $482,000, targeting the premium market segment.

In FY-26, $18.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Drysdale has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, recent periods show moderation in development activity. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 198 people per approval, Drysdale reflects a developing area. AreaSearch estimates project Drysdale to grow by 4,407 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Drysdale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Drysdale Sporting Precinct Stage 2, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. 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.

Drysdale has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Drysdale's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in December 2025, a 0.2% increase from Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.8%.

As of December 2025, 3,217 residents were employed with workforce participation matching Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Approximately 19.6% of residents worked from home based on Census responses. The dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction showed strong specialization at 1.2 times the regional level while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.8%, labour force by 5.4%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment contract by 0.6%, labour force fall by 0.7%, with unemployment decreasing by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Drysdale's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Drysdale's median income among taxpayers was $45,102 in financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch data from the ATO. The average income stood at $58,276 during this period. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s median and average incomes were $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. By March 2026, current estimates based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth project Drysdale's median income to be approximately $49,441 and the average at $63,882. The 2021 Census revealed that household, family, and personal incomes in Drysdale all fell between the 18th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 26.5% of residents (1,724 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.3% similarly occupied this range. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remained, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

Drysdale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Drysdale, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Drysdale was at 50.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented ones at 16.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Drysdale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Drysdale has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.4% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 21.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (27.2%). A total of 24.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 9.3% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Drysdale has 29 active public transport stops served by 8 routes, offering 545 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically 360 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 94%. There is an average of 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 77 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 77 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Drysdale are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Drysdale's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% of Drysdale's total population (~3,249 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.8%). About 58.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Drysdale has notable health challenges for its working-age population due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (30.2%, or 1,965 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Drysdale had a cultural diversity level below average, with 84.7% of its population born in Australia, 92.2% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Drysdale, comprising 55.4% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Dutch ethnicity was overrepresented at 2.0%, Scottish at 9.4%, and Maltese at 0.6%.

Drysdale ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Drysdale's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Regional Victoria average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.0% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.0%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.2% to 11.3% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 12.9%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 17.2% to 16.0%. By 2041, Drysdale is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 45 to 54 group projected to grow by 85%, adding 645 people and reaching a total of 1,407 from its current figure of 761.