Rowville

Rowville has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Rowville is around 35,025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,454 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 33,571. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 34,094 in June 2024, along with validation of an additional 234 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,605 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. Looking ahead, projections indicate a population increase just below the median of statistical areas nationally for the suburb of Rowville. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to expand by 1,477 persons, reflecting a total gain of 1.6% over the 17 years.

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

Rowville has seen around 96 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Approximately 480 homes were approved in the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with an additional 66 approved so far in FY26. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

Developers target the premium market segment, with average dwelling values at $567,000. Commercial approvals totaled $22.9 million this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Building activity shows 65.0% detached dwellings and 35.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of housing opportunities across price brackets.

This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (92.0%). The location has approximately 304 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Rowville to grow by 547 residents through to 2041. With current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Rowville has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Scoresby Village Residential Estate, The Rowville Plan, Bankside Rowville, and Wellington Village Shopping Centre. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 conditions in Rowville demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Rowville has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.0%.

As of September 2025, 19,613 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 28.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area had a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 8.0% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% and labour force increased by 0.8%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Rowville. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Rowville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Rowville's median income among taxpayers is $55,389, with an average of $67,088. This is roughly in line with national averages, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rowville would be approximately $59,959 (median) and $72,623 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data ranks household income at the 78th percentile ($2,205 weekly), while personal income is at the 57th percentile. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 33.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (11,803 residents). This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fall within this range. A substantial proportion of high earners (32.3%) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Rowville. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Rowville is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Rowville's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rowville stood at 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.9% and rented ones at 15.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,055, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Rowville was $441, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Rowville's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rowville features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.3% of all households, including 46.0% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.7%, with lone person households at 15.0% and group households at 1.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Rowville exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Rowville's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 31.0% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common (21.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 18.6%.

Educational participation is notably high; 27.8% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.5% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rowville has 138 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes, together providing 3,912 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 261 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, and cars remain the primary mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 28.7% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 558 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanying the analysis shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Rowville's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Rowville. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was approximately 53% of the total population (~18,689 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but trailing Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions were asthma (7.6%) and arthritis (6.8%). 71.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population health outcomes were better than average. Rowville had 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (6,969 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes were above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Rowville 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

Rowville has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.8% of its population born overseas and 32.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Rowville, comprising 49.9% of its population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Rowville compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.2% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (20.1%), Australian (19.5%), and Other (12.5%). Sri Lankan (2.1%) and Hungarian (0.5%) populations are notably higher in Rowville compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.3%, respectively. The Chinese population is also relatively high at 10.4%.

Rowville's median age exceeds the national pattern

Rowville's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Rowville has a notably higher proportion of the 55-64 age group (14.9% locally) and a lower proportion of 25-34 year-olds (10.4%). Post-2021 Census, the 65-74 age group grew from 9.2% to 11.0%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.9% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 14.9% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Rowville's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 41%, adding 917 residents to reach 3,159. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 90% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.