Maribyrnong

Population growth drivers in Maribyrnong are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Maribyrnong's population is estimated at around 13,830 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,257 people (10.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,573 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,818 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,528 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Maribyrnong's 10.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81.0% 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. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 4,584 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 33.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Maribyrnong among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Maribyrnong averaged approximately 106 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 530 homes. In FY-26 so far, 87 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in Maribyrnong between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.1 people. This indicates a balanced supply and demand scenario, maintaining stable market conditions.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $514,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $38.7 million, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong shows approximately 68% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 93rd percentile nationally when assessed for building activity. However, there has been an acceleration in building activity in recent years. New building activity comprises 7.0% detached dwellings and 93.0% attached dwellings, indicating a shift towards compact living that offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 34.0% houses. Maribyrnong reflects a developing area with around 63 people per approval. Future projections estimate Maribyrnong will add approximately 4,572 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and supporting price increases if current development rates continue.

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

A total of 24 infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include key projects such as Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing, 191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development, White St, and Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Maribyrnong shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Maribyrnong has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%.

As of December 2025, 9,507 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate and a workforce participation rate of 79.7%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 35.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in finance & insurance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while construction employs only 6.9%, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2% and labour force by 4.5%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 2.4%, labour force expansion of 2.8%, and unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Maribyrnong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Maribyrnong suburb is $60,258 and average income is $82,819. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,229 (median) and $89,652 (average). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, Maribyrnong's household, family, and personal incomes rank at the 71st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 35.2% of locals (4,868 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region at 32.8%. Housing costs consume 15.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 67th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Maribyrnong displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Maribyrnong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 33.7% houses and 66.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maribyrnong was at 26.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (38.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Maribyrnong's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Maribyrnong features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.7% of all households, including 28.3% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.3%, consisting of 29.7% lone person households and 5.6% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Maribyrnong shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Maribyrnong's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 44.4% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. This includes 29.1% with bachelor degrees, 11.8% with postgraduate qualifications, and 3.5% with graduate diplomas. Vocational pathways account for 23.6%, comprising 10.9% advanced diplomas and 12.7% certificates.

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.9% in tertiary, 6.4% in secondary, and 6.2% in primary.

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

Maribyrnong has 78 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 9 routes, collectively handling 8,195 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 78%, with 10% using trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

In 2021 Census data, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions, 35.8% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averages 1,170 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 105 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Maribyrnong's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (8,227 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues affect 7.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 6.8%. Notably, 76.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,963 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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

Maribyrnong has a high level of cultural diversity, with 45.2% of its population born overseas and 49.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Maribyrnong, comprising 44.1% of people. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented, making up 10.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Other (13.8%), English (13.4%), and Chinese (12.7%). The English group is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%, while the Chinese group is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of Vietnamese (11.8% vs 1.9%), Croatian (1.4% vs 0.7%), and Serbian (0.9% vs 0.4%) ethnic groups.

Maribyrnong's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Maribyrnong's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37. This is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong has a higher concentration of 25-34 residents at 21.5%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 6.8%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.6% to 9.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.9% to 4.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 8.7% to 6.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Maribyrnong's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 61%, adding 917 residents to reach 2,411.