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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Upwey is around 6,880. This figure reflects a increase of 62 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,818. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,867 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,106 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 56% 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, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Projected demographic shifts indicate an overall population decline over the period from 2026 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb of Upwey's population is expected to contract by 203 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 240 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 around 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 22 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average expected construction cost of new homes is $575,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $232,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Upwey has significantly less development activity (84.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Upwey's new 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, 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 in the future, 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. Key projects include Angliss Hospital Expansion, Six Senses Resort And Spa At Burnham Beeches, Fairpark Reserve, and Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program. The following list 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of this date, 3969 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.7 percentage points lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Upwey was 73.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 32.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, Upwey had a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, finance & insurance showed lower representation at 2.5%, compared to the regional average of 4.9%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.1% while labour force grew by 0.8%, resulting in a unemployment rate decrease of 0.2 percentage points, as per AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Upwey's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not consider localized population projections.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Upwey's median income among taxpayers is $53,958, with an average of $68,270. This aligns with national averages, comparing 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, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $58,410 (median) and $73,902 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Upwey's incomes cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 35.5% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, mirroring metropolitan region's 32.8%. Notably, 30.2% are high earners above $3,000/week. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, indicating strong purchasing power and 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 figures of 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 average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Upwey was $390, matching Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, Upwey's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households making up 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 of 32.7%, exceeding the SA3 area average of 23.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (23.6%).

Educational participation is high at 28.5%, including primary education (9.8%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (4.7%).

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

Upwey has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 1,499 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living within 270 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from Upwey, which is primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling in Upwey, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 32.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 214 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Upwey is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Upwey exhibits favorable health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups show low incidence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is slightly higher than average at approximately 54% (3,702 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.6% and 9.0% respectively. 69.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.1% (1,245 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Seniors' health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.6% of its population born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Upwey, comprising 31.4% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.3%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (9.9%). Dutch representation was notably higher at 2.9% in Upwey versus 1.2% regionally, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Polish at 1.0% versus 0.8%.

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 the 65-74 age group (11.3%) and a lower proportion of the 25-34 age group (8.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 3.3% to 5.6%, while the 25-34 cohort decreased from 10.9% to 8.7%. The 55-64 group also dropped from 14.3% to 13.2%. By 2041, Upwey's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 44%, adding 168 residents to reach 554. This growth will be driven entirely by residents aged 65 and older. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 45-54 and 25-34 age groups.