Upwey

Upwey is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the Upwey statistical area's population is estimated at around 6,874 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 56 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,818 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,867, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024, and an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,105 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 197 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 233 people.

The level of residential development activity in Upwey is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Upwey shows approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 22 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has been keeping pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $575,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, Upwey recorded $232,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where it is 84.0% above the regional average per person. The constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining Upwey's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 99.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1712 people per dwelling approval, Upwey reflects a highly mature market.

Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the area.

Upwey has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to impact the area: Angliss Hospital Expansion, Six Senses Resort And Spa At Burnham Beeches, Fairpark Reserve, and Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program are key projects. The following details 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Upwey significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Upwey has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of September 2025.

This rate is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%. There were 3,976 residents employed in Upwey as of September 2025, with a workforce participation rate of 70.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Education & training shows particularly strong specialization, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, finance & insurance has lower representation at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 4.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force increased by 0.9%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years. Applying these projections to Upwey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 indicates that Upwey's median income among taxpayers is $53,958. The average income in this suburb is $68,270. These figures are comparable to national averages. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Upwey's median and average incomes are approximately $58,410 and $73,902 respectively as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in Upwey cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 35.5% earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, with a total of 2,440 residents falling into this bracket. This is similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this income bracket. Notably, 30.2% of Upwey's residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Upwey is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Upwey's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metro's 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Upwey was at 35.8%, similar to Melbourne metro, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (54.4%) or rented (9.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure in Upwey was $390, compared to Melbourne metro's $1,950 and $380 respectively. Nationally, Upwey's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Upwey features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 80.4% of all households, including 40.8% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for 19.6%, comprising 17.1% lone person households and 2.1% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Upwey 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 32.7% for residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 23.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 13.1% while certificates make up 23.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Upwey shows that there are currently 35 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 10 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively facilitating 1,499 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 270 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 214 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Upwey's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Upwey residents.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover rate is approximately 54%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.6% and 9.0% of residents respectively. 69.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,182 people), lower than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Upwey ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Upwey, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing conducted on 9 August 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 82.6% of its population born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 31.4%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.3%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (9.9%). Certain ethnicities showed significant differences: Dutch at 2.9% in Upwey versus 3.2% regionally, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Polish at 1.0% versus 0.7%.

Upwey's median age exceeds the national pattern

Upwey's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Comparing with Greater Melbourne, Upwey has a notably higher proportion of the 65-74 age cohort (11.1% locally) but a lower proportion of the 25-34 age group (9.1%). Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 3.3% to 5.0%, while the 25 to 34 cohort decreased from 10.9% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Upwey's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 60%, adding 205 residents to reach 549. This growth will be entirely due to residents aged 65 and older. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 65-74 age groups.