Koo Wee Rup

Population growth drivers in Koo Wee Rup are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Koo Wee Rup is around 4,499. This represents an increase of 452 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,047. The latest estimate, 4,359 residents, was calculated by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of 93 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 76 persons per square kilometer. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, Koo Wee Rup experienced an 11.2% population growth rate, surpassing both the state's average of 9.3% and national averages. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. According to these projections, Koo Wee Rup's population is expected to decline by 2,027 persons by 2041 due to overall demographic shifts. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to grow by 171 people during this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Koo Wee Rup among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Koo Wee Rup recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 101 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 4.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $369,000. In FY-26, $4,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup records markedly lower building activity, which is 52.0% below the regional average per person.

This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Koo Wee Rup reflects a developing area with around 204 people per approval. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Koo Wee Rup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects include Costco Pakenham Warehouse, City of Casey Capital Works Program 2025/26, South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, and Additional VLocity Trains. The following 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Koo Wee Rup significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Koo Wee Rup has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, notably in construction. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.6%. The area's unemployment rate is 3.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, but workforce participation is significantly lower at 35.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%.

According to Census responses, only 13.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction has a strong presence with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while professional & technical jobs have limited representation at 3.4%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 22.5% while employment declined by a similar amount, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise slightly to 1.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but specific industry projections vary significantly. 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Koo Wee Rup has lower incomes compared to the national average. The median income is $51,407 and the average is $59,640. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. Based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Koo Wee Rup would be approximately $56,352 (median) and $65,377 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates that incomes in Koo Wee Rup are around the 51st percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 40.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999. This aligns with the broader area where this earnings band represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile.

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

Koo Wee Rup's dwelling structures, 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 remaining dwellings either mortgaged (53.9%) or rented (18.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,811, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Koo Wee Rup was recorded at $320, below Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375. Nationally, Koo Wee Rup's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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, 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (34.1%). Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.6% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 located 640 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting in this primarily residential area is outward-bound, with cars being the dominant mode at 96%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 13.4% of residents work from home, which might reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 41 trips per day, equating to 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. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~2,270 people) have private health cover, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.3% and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 65.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 20.3% (913 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a population where 87.9% were born in Australia and 91.0% were citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 94.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 42.6%.

The 'Other' religious category was underrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.7% versus 2.3%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.0%), English (31.7%), and Irish (7.4%) were the top groups, all higher than regional averages. Dutch (2.7%) and Italian (4.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional figures of 1.2% and 5.2%, respectively, while Sri Lankan was underrepresented at 0.4%.

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

Koo Wee Rup's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (22.2%), but fewer residents aged 35-44 (0%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has increased from 15.2% to 22.2%, while those aged 25 to 34 have risen from 15.5% to 21.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has decreased from 12.5% to 0%, and those aged 15 to 24 have dropped from 11.8% to 0%. Population forecasts for Koo Wee Rup in 2041 suggest significant demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 35-44 age group, which is expected to add 172 residents to reach a total of 172. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups.