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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Ringwood (Vic.) has an estimated population of around 20,419 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,275 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,144 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 20,153 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 263 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,015 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ringwood's growth of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 2022 as the base year. 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. Moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Ringwood (Vic.), with the area expected to grow by 4,860 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 22.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Ringwood had around 105 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 527 homes. As of FY-26147 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated 1.4 new residents per year. This indicates a balanced supply and demand scenario, with stable market dynamics.

The average construction value for new properties was $665,000, suggesting 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 had 22.0% more development per person over the past 5 years, maintaining buyer choice and supporting property values despite recent moderation in development activity. New developments consisted of 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 76.0% houses. This denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially due to limited developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Ringwood has around 239 people per dwelling approval, characterising it as a low-density area. Future projections estimate Ringwood's population to grow by 4,545 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, intensifying buyer competition and potentially driving price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 52 projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones 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 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 was 5.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of September 2025, 10,760 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 67.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 33.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing employed only 3.2% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. The resident-to-worker ratio was 0.8 at the Census, indicating substantial employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force expand by 3.3%, with an increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Ringwood's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Ringwood's current employment mix.

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 2023 shows that Ringwood's median income is $54,356 and average income is $72,504. Nationally, the median income is lower at $51,896 with an average of $68,337. In Greater Melbourne, median income is $57,688 and average income is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Ringwood as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,840 (median) and $78,486 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Ringwood rank modestly, between the 44th and 53rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, consistent with metropolitan trends at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ringwood, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structures, 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 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ringwood was at 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented ones at 40.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Ringwood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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 make up the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region average of 31.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.0% while certificates make up 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 120 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These are served by 24 individual bus routes that collectively facilitate 7,787 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while train usage stands at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,112 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 64 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Ringwood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Ringwood's health data shows positive outcomes overall, with mortality rates and health conditions similar to national averages.

Common health conditions are relatively low among residents but higher among older, at-risk groups. Private health cover is high, with approximately 55% of Ringwood's total population (~11,326 people) having it. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.8% and 7.1% of residents respectively. About 70.3% of Ringwood residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Ringwood has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (18.5%, or 3,777 people) compared to Greater Melbourne (15.1%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally 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's cultural diversity is notable, with 36.9% of its population born overseas and 33.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Ringwood, comprising 43.3% of the population. Buddhism is equally represented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.6%), Australian (20.0%), and Other (12.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish at 1.0% in Ringwood versus 0.8% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.7% versus 0.8%, and Chinese at 11.5% versus 6.5%.

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

The median age in Ringwood is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has a higher concentration of 65-74 year-olds (9.2%) but fewer 15-24 year-olds (10.9%). Between June 2021 Census and June 2022, the 65-74 age group grew from 8.3% to 9.2% of Ringwood's population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 16.7% to 15.0%. By 2041, Ringwood is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 872 people to reach 3,486 from 2,613. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 5%, adding only 50 residents.