Ringwood (Vic.)

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

As of Nov 2025, the Ringwood (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 20,400. This reflects a growth of 1,256 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,144. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 20,153 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 259 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,013 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ringwood's growth rate of 6.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.0% 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 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. Projecting forward, an above median population growth is expected in the Ringwood (Vic.) (SA2), with a projected increase of 4,864 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 22.4% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Ringwood when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ringwood shows around 105 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 527 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26147 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed accommodates 1.4 new residents per year.

The average construction value for new properties is $665,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $221.4 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has seen 22.0% more development per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting property values. However, recent periods show a moderation in development activity. New developments consist of 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 76.0% houses).

Ringwood has around 239 people per dwelling approval, indicating low density characteristics. Future projections estimate Ringwood to add 4,562 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price growth.

Ringwood 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 52 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include AC Hotel by Marriott - East End Ringwood, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital (Maroondah Hospital Redevelopment), Dux Churchill, Ringwood, and The Ring Development. Below is a list of those most likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Ringwood has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Ringwood has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate in Ringwood is 5.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 10,761 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. The workforce participation rate in Ringwood is equal to Greater Melbourne's at 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance (23.9%), professional & technical services (18.5%), and retail trade (15.1%).

In contrast, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 3.2% of local workers, compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial employment opportunities within Ringwood. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force grew by 0.9%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0%, labour force expansion of 3.3%, and an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows that Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ringwood's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows Ringwood's median income at $54,356 and average income at $72,504. Greater Melbourne's figures are median $57,688 and average $75,164. Applying Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% by September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,840 (median) and $78,486 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Ringwood's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 44th and 53rd percentiles. In income distribution, 32.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, consistent with metropolitan trends at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. Ringwood's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Ringwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.1% houses and 23.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ringwood stood at 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented at 40.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $385 respectively. Nationally, Ringwood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.4% of all households, composed of 29.0% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 37.2%, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 31.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 17.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ringwood has 121 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 individual routes, providing a total of 7,787 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated excellent, with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,112 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 64 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ringwood's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Ringwood's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~11,315 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.8 and 7.1% of residents respectively. Seventy-point-three percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.7% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,651 people), which is lower than the 19.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

Ringwood was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ringwood has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.9% of its population born overseas and 33.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ringwood, making up 43.3% of people there, compared to Greater Melbourne's overall figure of approximately 52%. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Ringwood, comprising 4.2% of its population, compared to Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (22.6%), Australian (20.0%), and Other (12.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Polish is overrepresented at 1.0%, Sri Lankan at 0.7%, and Chinese at 11.5%.

Ringwood's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Ringwood is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has a higher percentage of 35-44 year-olds (16.7%) but fewer 15-24 year-olds (10.9%). From the 2021 Census to present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 8.3% to 8.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort has decreased from 16.7% to 15.6%. By 2041, Ringwood's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 35%, adding 894 people and reaching 3,485 from 2,590. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow modestly at 3%, with an increase of 29 residents.