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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch as of Nov 2025, Drysdale's estimated population is around 6,576. This reflects an increase of 1,600 people (32.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,976. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,492 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 173 persons per square kilometer. Drysdale's 32.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (7.9%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Drysdale in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to increase by 2,703 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 20.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Drysdale among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Drysdale has recorded around 89 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 447 homes. So far in FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions.

The average construction value of new homes is $482,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial development approvals amount to $18.1 million, reflecting balanced commercial activity. Relative to Rest of Vic., Drysdale maintains similar development levels per capita, supporting regional market stability despite recent moderation in activity. This is notably higher than national averages, indicating strong developer confidence in the area.

Recent construction comprises 95% detached houses and 5% townhouses or apartments, preserving Drysdale's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 159 people per approval, Drysdale reflects a developing area. AreaSearch projects Drysdale to grow by 1,313 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond projections.

Drysdale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects likely to impact this region. Notable projects include 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Drysdale has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Drysdale's workforce is skilled with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate of 3.4% as of September 2025 is 0.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lags at 50.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.2% versus the regional average of 7.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. From September 2024 to September 2025, Drysdale's labour force decreased by 0.2%, alongside a 0.1% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. Rest of Vic., however, recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's 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 mapped against the local employment profile.

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. The average income stood at $58,276 during the same period. These figures are lower than those of Rest of Vic., which had median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Drysdale's median income would be approximately $48,823 and the average around $63,084, based on an 8.25% increase since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Drysdale fall between the 18th and 18th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 26.5% of residents (1,742 people) falling within this range. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally. Drysdale's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Drysdale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Drysdale stood at 50.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented ones at 16.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Drysdale was $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 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 account for 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic average of 2.5.

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 and above 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

Transport analysis indicates 29 active public transport stops in Drysdale, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 8 individual routes, collectively facilitating 545 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 360 meters from the nearest stop.

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

Health performance in Drysdale 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 Drysdale. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 50% (~3,282 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 57.1%, but close to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.8%). Conversely, 58.4% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 66.8%. Drysdale has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.0% (~2,104 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 24.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Drysdale's population, as per the census conducted on June 29th, 2016, showed a lack of cultural diversity with 84.7% born in Australia, 92.2% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.4% of Drysdale's population compared to 45.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Dutch ancestry was higher at 2.0% in Drysdale compared to the regional average of 1.8%, Scottish ancestry was slightly lower at 9.4% versus 9.7%, and Maltese ancestry was lower at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.9%.

Drysdale ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Drysdale's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 and considerably older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Victoria's average, Drysdale has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort at 16.3% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above Australia's national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, Drysdale's population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 9.2% to 10.8%, while the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 14.1% to 12.7%. By 2041, Drysdale is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 262 people and reaching a total of 973 from the previous count of 710. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 2%, with an increase of 15 people.