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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Upwey is around 6,877, reflecting an increase of 59 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,818. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,868 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,105 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Upwey's growth rate of 0.9% since the census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts 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, adjusting employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, according to this methodology, the suburb's population is expected to contract by 184 persons. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 75 to 84 age group which is projected to grow by 201 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 for Upwey shows around 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 24 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY-26 so far. The declining population suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, offering buyers good choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $575,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, there have been $232,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Upwey has significantly less development activity (82.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Upwey's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area'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 (currently 99.0% houses), suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 1367 people per dwelling approval, Upwey reflects a highly mature market. Given population projections showing stability or decline, Upwey should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Angliss Hospital Expansion, Six Senses Resort And Spa At Burnham Beeches, Fairpark Reserve, and Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program are key projects, with the following list detailing 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 places Upwey well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Upwey has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.8%. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 1.5%.

As of December 2025, there are 3,975 residents in work. The unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation stands at 73.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 32.6% of residents work from home.

Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Education & training shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Finance & insurance has lower representation at 2.5%, compared to the regional average of 4.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force increased by 1.5%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Upwey. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years, this figure increases to 13.7%. 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.

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 Upwey's median income among taxpayers is $53,958. The average income in the suburb was $68,270 during this period. Nationally, the median income was $54,170 with an average of $73,822. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and the average was $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Upwey's median income would be approximately $59,149 and $74,838 as an average by March 2026. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Upwey cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment of residents, 35.5% or 2,441 individuals, earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Notably, 30.2% of Upwey's residents earn above $3,000 per week, suggesting strong economic capacity in the suburb. After 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Upwey's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Upwey stood at 35.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.4% and rented ones at 9.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $390, matching Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, Upwey's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Upwey features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average 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 comprise the remaining 19.6%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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% among 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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 23.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, 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

Public transport analysis shows 34 active transport stops in Upwey, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by 10 individual routes, collectively offering 1,499 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 270 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature; car remains dominant at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above regional average. High 32.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 214 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Upwey'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 Upwey. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,701 people), leading the average SA2 area but trailing Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, with asthma affecting 9.0%. A total of 69.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,217 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Upwey's population shows low cultural diversity, with 82.6% born in Australia and 92.4% being citizens. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5%. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 31.4%.

Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.3% versus 1.0%. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.3%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (9.9%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Dutch (2.9%) Hungarian (0.5%) and Polish (1.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Upwey compared to the region.

Upwey's median age exceeds the national pattern

Upwey'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, Upwey has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (11.1%) and a lower proportion aged 25-34 (8.9%). As of the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 3.3% to 5.4%, while the 25-34 cohort decreased from 10.9% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Upwey's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 43%, adding 159 residents to reach 531. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 98% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 25-34 and 65-74 cohorts.