Koo Wee Rup

Koo Wee Rup 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 the suburb of Koo Wee Rup is around 4,264. This reflects a growth of 217 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,047. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 4,184 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 72 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Koo Wee Rup has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

According to ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, the suburb is predicted to grow by 3,047 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 85.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Koo Wee Rup among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Koo Wee Rup recorded around 27 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 136 homes. In FY-26 so far, nine approvals have been recorded. On average, 9.7 new residents were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $369,000. Additionally, $4,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 83rd percentile nationally. However, construction activity has recently intensified. Recent development consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. Koo Wee Rup reflects a low density area with approximately 125 people per approval. Future projections estimate Koo Wee Rup will add 3,629 residents by 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.

Koo Wee Rup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Costco Pakenham Warehouse, Clyde Rail Extension, City of Casey Capital Works Program 2025/26, and South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades are key initiatives, with the following projects being most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Koo Wee Rup well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Koo Wee Rup has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.3% as of September 2025. This rate is below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%, and the employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.2%.

There are 2,612 residents in work, with a workforce participation rate of 85.4%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Only 13.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area has a high specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services employ just 3.4% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2%, and labour force grew by 5.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Koo Wee Rup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 1 July 2023, the suburb of Koo Wee Rup had a median income among taxpayers of $51,407 with the average level standing at $59,640. This is lower than average nationally and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,648 (median) and $64,560 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household incomes in Koo Wee Rup cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. The data shows 40.7% of the population (1,735 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 53rd percentile nationally.

Koo Wee Rup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Koo Wee Rup, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Koo Wee Rup stood at 27.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (53.9%) or rented (18.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,811, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Koo Wee Rup was $320, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Koo Wee Rup's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Koo Wee Rup has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.0% of all households, including 36.6% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Koo Wee Rup fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 9.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (34.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Koo Wee Rup has two operational public transport stops. Four different routes service these stops, collectively offering 289 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically living 640 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars are the primary mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 41 trips per day, resulting in approximately 144 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Koo Wee Rup is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Koo Wee Rup faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 50% (~2,151 people) of Koo Wee Rup's population has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.3%) and mental health issues (8.9%), while 65.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Koo Wee Rup has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (690 people), which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. While senior health outcomes align with national rankings, they present some challenges.

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

Koo Wee Rup, as per the census conducted on 9 June 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 87.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 42.6% of the population. The category 'Other' was notably underrepresented at 0.7%, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.0%) and English (31.7%) were significantly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1% respectively. Irish ancestry was also notable at 7.4%. Other ethnic groups with significant differences included Dutch (2.7% vs regional 1.2%), Italian (4.5% vs 5.2%), and Sri Lankan (0.4% vs 0.8%).

Koo Wee Rup hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Koo Wee Rup has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.5%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.5% to 15.2%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 4.8% to 6.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 9.2%, and the 15-24 age group has dropped from 11.8% to 10.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Koo Wee Rup, with the 35-44 age cohort projected to grow by 80%, adding 519 residents to reach a total of 1,168.