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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Drysdale is around 6,572, reflecting an increase of 1,596 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 32.1% increase from the previous population of 4,976. AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and validation of new addresses since the Census date resulted in an estimated resident population of 6,492. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 172 persons per square kilometer. Drysdale's growth exceeded both the Rest of Vic.'s 8.1% and the national average during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors. AreaSearch projections for Drysdale are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 are used with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Drysdale is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of regional areas nationally over the period leading up to 2041. The area is expected to increase by 2,717 persons by this year, reflecting a total increase of 20.2% over the 17-year span.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Drysdale indicates around 89 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 447 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 1.4 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built during this period.

The supply and demand balance appears stable, with new properties constructed at an average value of $482,000, targeting the premium segment. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $18.1 million, indicating steady investment activity in the area. Comparatively, Drysdale's development levels per person are similar to those in Rest of Vic., maintaining market balance with the broader area. However, recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity.

Nationally, developer confidence in Drysdale is strong, reflected by its development activity well above average. Recent construction comprises 95% detached houses and 5% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 159 people per approval, Drysdale reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,325 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population 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 13 projects that could impact the area. 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.

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

Drysdale's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.3% as of September 2025, which is 0.4% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year based on AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

There were 2,429 residents employed in September 2025 with a workforce participation rate of 45.2%, significantly lagging behind Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 19.6% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population versus resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1%, labour force decreased by 0.1%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Drysdale's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Drysdale has an income level below the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Drysdale is $45,102, with an average income of $58,276. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which are $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since the financial year 2023, current estimates for Drysdale's median income would be approximately $48,823, and average income would be around $63,084 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Drysdale all fall between the 18th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 26.5% of residents (1,741 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains, which ranks at the 20th percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the fifth 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 89.5% houses and 10.5% 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, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Drysdale was $340, compared to Non-Metro 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 constitute 70.4 percent of all households, including 26.1 percent couples with children, 34.6 percent couples without children, and 8.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.6 percent, with lone person households at 27.9 percent and group households accounting for 1.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of 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: 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 eight routes, offering 545 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility with an average distance of 360 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The 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 performance in Drysdale is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Drysdale faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,280 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.8%), with 58.4% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the assessment date, 31.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,076 people), higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. 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's population showed lower 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%, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Dutch representation was higher at 2.0% in Drysdale versus 1.7% regionally, Scottish at 9.4% compared to 8.8%, and Maltese at 0.6% against 0.5%.

Drysdale ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Drysdale's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Victoria's average, Drysdale has an over-representation of the 65-74 age group at 16.2% and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group at 8.2%. This 65-74 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group grew from 9.2% to 11.4%, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.6%. By 2041, Drysdale's demographic is expected to shift notably, with the 45-54 group projected to grow by 35% (251 people) to reach 974 from 722. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 6% (48 people).