Morwell

An assessment of population growth drivers in Morwell reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Morwell statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 14,637 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 248 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,389 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,486 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 176 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 326 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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. Moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's regional areas, with the Morwell (SA2) expected to expand by 2,325 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 14.9% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Morwell according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Morwell granted around 46 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 230 homes. As of FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 1.5 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $361,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

This financial year has seen $83.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Morwell has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 26th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development in Morwell consists of 87.0% detached dwellings and 13.0% attached dwellings, preserving its low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 628 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Morwell is projected to add 2,179 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.

Morwell 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 has identified 23 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include ICON Morwell Innovation Business Park, The Range Estate Morwell, Tramway Road Battery Energy Storage System, and Panorama Estate.

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 performance in Morwell lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Morwell has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 13.5% in the past year, showing room for improvement compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.2%. As of September 2025, 5,248 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 9.8%, with workforce participation at 44.4% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with retail trade notably concentrated at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.3% versus the regional average of 7.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 6.2% alongside labour force increase of 3.8%, reducing unemployment rate by 2.0 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts suggest Morwell's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Morwell, median income is $44,321 and average income is $55,103. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $47,977 and average income $59,649, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. The 2021 Census shows Morwell's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates 31.6% of Morwell residents (4,625 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 range, unlike metropolitan regions where 30.3% earn $1,500 - $2,999. The prevalence of lower-income residents (42.9% under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of Morwell. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Morwell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Morwell, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.0% of dwellings were houses while 14.0% comprised semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 88.1% houses and 11.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morwell stood at 38.7%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with the rest being mortgaged (26.2%) or rented (35.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $953, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,213. Median weekly rent in Morwell was $215, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $237. Nationally, Morwell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $953 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Morwell features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 59.1% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.9%, with lone person households at 37.7% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Morwell faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (32.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, with 11.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Morwell has 107 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 21 routes operating in total, providing 1,835 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents have good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 202 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is 262 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Morwell is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Morwell faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover penetration stands at approximately 49%, covering around 7,126 people, lower than Victoria's average of 50.9% (national average is 55.7%). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, impacting 12.2% and 11.3% of residents respectively.

However, 55.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 60.1% in the rest of Victoria. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.6% (3,307 people), compared to Victoria's average of 21.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Morwell records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Morwell's cultural diversity was comparable to the broader region, with 83.3% citizens, 81.8% born in Australia, and 88.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Morwell, comprising 44.4%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.9%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, Dutch (2.3%) and Maltese (1.9%) were overrepresented in Morwell, while Italian (5.5%) was also higher than regional averages (2.9%, 1.6%, and 3.4% respectively).

Morwell hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Morwell's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 13.7%, while the 35-44 group is smaller at 10.8% compared to Rest of Vic.. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Morwell. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 47%, adding 947 residents to reach 2,953. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to fall by 7%.