Ringwood (Vic.)

Ringwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Ringwood (Vic.) is around 20,332 people. This figure represents an increase of 1,188 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,144. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 20,137. This increase reflects a density ratio of 2,007 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Ringwood's growth rate of 6.2% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA4 region (4.0%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them 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 trends project an above median population growth for the suburb until 2041, with an expected increase of 4,864 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 22.8%.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Ringwood averaged approximately 102 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 511 homes. As of FY-26138 approvals have been recorded. Over the same period, an average of 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $665,000, slightly higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $222.4 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has seen 19.0% more development per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice and supporting existing property values. Recent construction comprises 35.0% detached houses and 65.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current 76.0% houses. This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Ringwood has approximately 230 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ringwood is expected to grow by 4,630 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 53 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include AC Hotel by Marriott - East End Ringwood, Ringwood Residences, Dux Churchill, Ringwood, and The Ring Development. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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

Ringwood has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the past year, showing an estimated growth of 0.9%.

As of June 2025, 10,727 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.0%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 3.2% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 5.2%.

The resident-to-worker ratio is 0.8, indicating ample local job opportunities. Over the past year, employment grew by 0.9%, while labour force increased by 0.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5% and labour force expand by 4.0%, but unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22, overall employment is projected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ringwood's current employment mix suggests local employment should grow by approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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 2022 shows Ringwood has a high national median income of $54,356 and an average income of $72,506. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761 during the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,966 (median) and $81,323 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Ringwood's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 44th and 53rd percentiles. The income distribution shows that 32.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with metropolitan trends at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ringwood, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area'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 was at 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented dwellings 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 $385. Nationally, Ringwood's median mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $381 than 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 account for 65.4% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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

Ringwood's educational landscape stands out regionally with university qualification rates at 37.2% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This is also higher than the SA4 regional rate of 31.2%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 23.4% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (17.2%). Educational participation is notably high at 28.5%, with 8.4% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. A total of 10 schools operate within Ringwood, educating approximately 7,017 students. The area's socio-educational conditions are above average (ICSEA: 1069). The educational mix includes 3 primary, 6 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Ringwood functions as an education hub with 34.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Ringwood has 120 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 25 unique routes facilitating 10,641 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average proximity of 185 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency across all routes averages 1,520 trips, which translates to around 88 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 (~11,278 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.8 and 7.1% of residents respectively. 70.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.7% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, 17.9% of Ringwood's residents are aged 65 and over (3,639 people), which is lower than the 19.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

Ringwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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. The predominant religion in Ringwood is Christianity, accounting for 43.3% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Ringwood compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.2% versus 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 at 1.0% in Ringwood compared to 0.7% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Chinese at 11.5% versus 6.0%.

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 Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.9%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Census, the proportion of Ringwood's population aged 65 to 74 grew from 8.3% to 8.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 decreased from 16.7% to 15.6%. By 2041, Ringwood is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 35%, adding 902 people and reaching a total of 3,485 from 2,582 previously. The 0 to 4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 3%, with an increase of 32 residents.