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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Maribyrnong is around 13,960, reflecting an increase of 1,387 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 12,573 in the suburb. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and validation of an additional 114 new addresses since the Census date. Maribyrnong's population density is 2,552 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 11.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average of 9.3% and the national average, marking Maribyrnong as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Maribyrnong are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the suburb's top quartile statistical areas, with an expected rise to 18,251 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 30.7% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Maribyrnong has averaged around 106 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 530 homes. So far in FY-26, 89 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there has been an average of 1.1 people moving to Maribyrnong for each dwelling built, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $514,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $38.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong shows approximately 67% of construction activity per person and places among the 93rd percentile nationally, though building activity has increased recently. New building activity comprises 7.0% detached dwellings and 93.0% attached dwellings, indicating a shift towards compact living to offer affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition of 34.0% houses, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Maribyrnong currently has around 63 people per approval, indicating it is developing. Future projections show Maribyrnong adding 4,291 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing, 191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development, White St project, and Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation. Below is a list detailing 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.

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

Maribyrnong has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 3.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.2%. As of December 2025, 9,507 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was high at 79.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant portion, 35.8%, worked from home based on Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Finance & insurance has a higher employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while construction employs only 6.9% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 2.4%, labour force expanded by 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Maribyrnong. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Maribyrnong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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 2023 shows Maribyrnong suburb has high national income levels. The median income is $60,258 and the average income stands at $82,819. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $66,055 (median) and $90,786 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Maribyrnong are at the 71st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 35.2% of locals (4,913 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 67th percentile. 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 dwellings in 2016 Census were 33.7% houses, 66.3% others (semi-detached, apartments). Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses, 32.1% others. Home ownership in Maribyrnong was 26.3%, with mortgages at 35.0% and rentals at 38.7%. Median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, similar to Melbourne metro average. Median weekly rent was $396, compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Maribyrnong's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents exceeded 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 constitute the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 5.6%. 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 residents aged 15 years and above have a significantly higher proportion with university qualifications at 44.4%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. This educational advantage favours Maribyrnong for knowledge-based opportunities, led by bachelor degrees at 29.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational pathways account for 23.6% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 12.7%. Educational participation is notably high in Maribyrnong, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.9% in tertiary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing primary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in tertiary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing primary education.

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 operating within its boundaries. These include a mix of light rail and bus services. Nine individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 8,195 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 78%, while 10% use the train.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 35.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,170 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Maribyrnong based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (8,304 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.1 and 6.8% of residents respectively, while 76.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,912 people), lower than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 dominant religion in Maribyrnong, comprising 44.1% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 10.5%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (13.8%), English (13.4%), and Chinese (12.7%). Notably, Vietnamese (11.8%) and Croatian (1.4%) populations are overrepresented in Maribyrnong compared to regional averages of 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively. Serbian population is also notably higher at 0.9%.

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 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (22.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.9%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly above the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 2.9% to 4.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 8.7% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic modelling suggests Maribyrnong's age profile will change significantly. The 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to grow by 60%, adding 876 residents to reach a total of 2,328.