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 and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025, Maribyrnong's estimated population is around 13,830. This reflects an increase of 1,257 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,573. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 13,818 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,528 persons per square kilometer, placing Maribyrnong in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 10.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas. By 2041, Maribyrnong is expected to increase by 4,582 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 33.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Maribyrnong has averaged approximately 106 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 530 homes. In FY26 so far, 87 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, the area experienced an average of 1.1 people moving in per year for each dwelling built. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $514,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment. In FY26, Maribyrnong has seen $38.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Comparatively, Maribyrnong shows approximately 68% of Greater Melbourne's construction activity per person and ranks among the 93rd percentile nationally. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. The new dwelling stock consists of around 7.0% detached dwellings and 93.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition, currently at 34.0% houses. With approximately 63 people per approval, Maribyrnong reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 4,570 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Twenty-four infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing, 191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development, White St, and Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation. The following list details those likely to be 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 a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.7%. Residents had an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, and a workforce participation rate of 71.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services were the most common industries for residents. Finance & insurance had an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while construction employed just 6.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.7%, labour force increased by 5.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 weighting 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 2023 shows that Maribyrnong suburb has a median income of $60,258 and an average income of $82,819. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,229 (median) and $89,652 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Maribyrnong's household, family, and personal incomes are at the 71st percentile nationally. The predominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, which spans 35.2% of locals (4,868 people), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Maribyrnong, as per the latest Census data, 33.7% of dwellings were houses while 66.3% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 49.7% houses and 50.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maribyrnong stood at 26.3%, with mortgaged properties at 35.0% and rented dwellings at 38.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent in Maribyrnong was $396, compared to $376 in Melbourne metro. Nationally, Maribyrnong's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Maribyrnong features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Maribyrnong's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 44.4%, surpassing Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways make up 23.6%, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 12.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.9% in tertiary, 6.4% in secondary, 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, serving a mix of light rail and bus routes. These stops are covered by 9 individual routes, collectively offering 8,195 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 210 meters to the nearest one.

The service frequency averages 1,170 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 across Maribyrnong, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 59% of the total population (8,227 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.3% across Greater Melbourne.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.1 and 6.8% of residents respectively. A total of 76.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.7% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 13.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,839 people), which is higher than the 11.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, making up 44.1% of people. However, Buddhism is more prevalent in Maribyrnong compared to Greater Melbourne, with 10.5% versus 8.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (13.8%), English (13.4%), and Chinese (12.7%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Notably, Vietnamese (11.8%) and Croatian (1.4%) populations are overrepresented in Maribyrnong compared to regional averages of 8.9% and 1.0%, respectively. Serbian population is also slightly overrepresented at 0.9% versus the regional average of 0.6%.

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 (21.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Maribyrnong's population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 12.6% to 13.7%, while the percentage of residents aged 5 to 14 has declined from 8.7% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Maribyrnong's age profile. The 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by 66%, adding 960 residents to reach a total of 2,413. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 10%, with an increase of 60 people.