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

As of November 2025, Drysdale's estimated population is around 340,734. This reflects an increase of 27,796 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 312,938. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 5,389 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), and an additional 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,964 persons per square kilometer, placing Drysdale in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Drysdale's growth rate of 8.9% since the census is within 0.4 percentage points of its SA4 region, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration playing minimal roles.

AreaSearch adopts 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 42,483 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 23.3% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Drysdale recorded around 1,115 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 5,578 homes. As of FY26424 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates approximately 2.8 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25, suggesting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $1,277,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with high-end properties.

This financial year has seen $679.0 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Drysdale has significantly less development activity, approximately 62.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. New development consists of 21.0% detached houses and 79.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of predominantly houses (96.0%). Drysdale has approximately 430 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market with a stable or declining population, potentially creating opportunities for buyers due to reduced housing pressure.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Drysdale should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Drysdale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Belgrove Estate, Duke (3222), Drysdale Sporting Precinct Stage 2, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following list details those most likely to be 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 analysis of employment trends sees Drysdale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Drysdale has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector prominently represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.1%, showing relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, there are 100,349 residents employed in Drysdale, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is high at 135.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical employment is at 2.9 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.4% employment compared to 0.7% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels in Drysdale remained unchanged at 0%, while the labour force increased by 1.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5% and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Drysdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Drysdale's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Drysdale's median income among taxpayers is $123,474 and average income stands at $180,730. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $138,488 (median) and $202,707 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Drysdale, between the 162nd and 164th percentiles nationally. The data shows 58.0% of population (197,625 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. This suburb exhibits notable income diversity with 37.2% earning under $800 weekly and 69.2% exceeding $3,000, creating a mixed socioeconomic profile. After housing costs, residents retain 168.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 18th decile.

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

Drysdale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 104.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Drysdale stood at 64.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 66.0% and rented ones at 69.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $4,792, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950. Weekly rent in Drysdale was recorded at $870, compared to Melbourne metro's $402. Nationally, Drysdale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Error processing households analysis

Drysdale demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Drysdale, 101.2% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, exceeding the SA4 region's 28.6% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 64.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (27.8%) and graduate diplomas (9.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 43.4% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (21.2%) and certificates (22.2%). Educational participation is high, with 61.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 18.2% in primary, 15.8% in secondary, and 15.8% in tertiary education.

Drysdale Primary School and Christian College Geelong - Bellarine Campus serve a total of 367 students. The area has balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1016) with one primary and one K-12 school. It functions as an education hub, offering 28.3 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 12.3.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 1,394 active transport stops operating within Drysdale. These stops are serviced by 124 individual routes, collectively providing 52,228 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 354 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 7,461 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Drysdale's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Drysdale with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 130% of the total population (444,317 people), compared to 56.2% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 14.4% of residents, while asthma affects 13.2%, with 148.0% declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 66.8% in Greater Melbourne.

Drysdale has 33.5% of residents aged 65 and over (114,145 people), which is higher than the 24.2% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being strong overall.

Drysdale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Drysdale has a high level of cultural diversity, with 65.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 76.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Drysdale, accounting for 69.0% of people. However, Judaism is significantly overrepresented, comprising 35.0% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 36.0%, Australian at 35.6%, and Other at 31.0%, all substantially higher than regional averages. Notably, Polish is overrepresented at 6.2% (vs 0.7%), Russian at 4.4% (vs 0.2%), and Hungarian at 1.6% (vs 0.2%).

Drysdale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Drysdale's median age is 76, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national average of 38. Age distributions in Drysdale closely resemble those in Greater Melbourne. Notably, the 25-34 age group comprises a higher percentage of Drysdale's population than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 24.0% to 27.4%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 9.8% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 24.4% to 22.5%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 27.4% to 26.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Drysdale's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by -49%, adding approximately -8,685 people, reaching a total of 8,965 from the current 17,650. Conversely, population declines are projected for both the 85+ and 0 to 4 age cohorts.