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 Feb 2026, Upwey's population is estimated at around 6880, reflecting a 62-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population as 6867 in June 2024, with an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1106 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed about 56% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projects Upwey's population to decline by 196 persons by 2041, despite expected growth in specific age cohorts like the 75-84 group projected at a 239-person increase over this period.

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 196 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 239 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>

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 allocated from statistical area data shows Upwey recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 24 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26 so far. The declining population suggests new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers.

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, $232,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Upwey is 82.0% below the regional average per person. The constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, this 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, maintaining 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, which is currently 99.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 1370 people per dwelling approval, Upwey reflects a highly mature market. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest 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. Key projects are Angliss Hospital Expansion, Six Senses Resort And Spa At Burnham Beeches, Fairpark Reserve, and Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program. 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 places Upwey well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Upwey has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.6%.

In comparison to Greater Melbourne's unemployment rate of 4.8%, Upwey's rate was 2.0% lower, with workforce participation at 73.4%. 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. Upwey showed strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, finance & insurance had lower representation at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 4.9%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, labour force by 1.6%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. Greater Melbourne recorded higher growth in employment (2.4%) and labour force (2.8%), and a slight increase in unemployment (0.3 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for Upwey in financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $53,958, with an average of $68,270. These figures are comparable to national averages. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Upwey as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,410 (median) and $73,902 (average). Census 2021 data shows that income levels in Upwey cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 35.5% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, with a total of 2,442 individuals in this bracket. This is similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% fall into this income category. Notably, 30.2% of Upwey 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Upwey's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with 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, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Upwey was $390, equal to Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, Upwey's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $390 against 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 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 university qualification rate is 32.7%, higher than the SA3 average of 23.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 23.6%.

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

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 accessibility of transport in Upwey is rated as good, with residents typically living 270 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this primarily residential area, and cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 90%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 32.6%, work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 214 trips per day, equating 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 superior health outcomes as per AreaSearch's evaluation, showing lower mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across both younger and older age groups. The prevalence of common health conditions is low, with mental health issues affecting 9.6% and asthma impacting 9.0% of residents.

A total of 69.1% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments. Private health cover stands at approximately 54%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 18.1% aged 65 and over (1,245 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior 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, as per data from June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 82.6% of its population born in Australia and 92.4% being citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 93.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 31.4%, while Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In ancestry, Upwey had high percentages of English (31.3%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (9.9%) heritage, exceeding regional averages. Notably, Dutch (2.9%), Hungarian (0.5%), and Polish (1.0%) ethnicities were more prevalent than the region's averages.

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 of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Upwey has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (11.3%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (8.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 increased from 3.3% to 5.6%, while the 25 to 34 group decreased from 10.9% to 8.6% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.3% to 13.2%. By 2041, Upwey's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 44%, adding 167 residents to reach 553. All growth in the resident population will be among those aged 65 and older, while declines are anticipated for the 25 to 34 and 45 to 54 age groups.