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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Waterways has an estimated 2,443 residents. That puts 1,446 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Waterways has an estimated population of 2,443, determined through AreaSearch's evaluation of post-Census validated addresses and ABS regional demographic revisions. Compared to the 2,422 residents tallied during the 2021 Census, this indicates an addition of 21 people (0.9%). AreaSearch arrived at this 2,443 resident count after reviewing the June 2025 ABS release of ERP figures alongside ongoing address validation post-Census. The resulting population density stands at 1,445 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the national benchmark evaluated by AreaSearch. In recent times, population expansion was predominantly fueled by overseas arrivals, accounting for roughly 87.0% of total demographic additions.
In its demographic modeling, AreaSearch applies ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 projections published in 2024 (using 2022 as baseline data), supplemented for unlisted SA2s by the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA projections via a weighted aggregation framework. Age-cohort expansion rates derived from these aggregated series are extended across every area for the 2032 to 2041 period. Looking ahead, the suburb of Waterways is projected to record demographic growth slightly under the national median for statistical regions, adding 180 persons by 2041 under aggregated SA2 modeling, which represents a 7.4% rise overall across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Drawing from ABS building approval statistics mapped to local zones, AreaSearch identifies an annual approval rate of approximately 3 dwellings within Waterways, yielding an estimated total of 17 approved properties across the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 through FY-25, with no new approvals recorded to date in FY-25. Because the local population contracted in the preceding timeframe, this inflow of new housing has likely matched incoming demand and provided ample selection for purchasers. Waterways registers subdued construction volume relative to Greater Melbourne, trailing the per-capita regional benchmark by 76.0%. Such restricted building output typically underpins buyer interest and valuations for pre-existing stock.
This building pace also falls below national figures, indicating a mature locality and potential development bottlenecks. Furthermore, all recent building activity has centered exclusively on separate houses, maintaining the suburban fabric and catering to buyers pursuing standalone family homes. Projections indicate that Waterways will gain 180 additional inhabitants by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Should building approvals remain at their current volume, incoming residential supply could lag behind demographic expansion, heightening competition among prospective buyers and reinforcing price appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Waterways
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 58 current infrastructure and development projects close to Waterways, worth an estimated $15.7 billion. 16 are already under construction and 17 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local community dynamics are significantly influenced by urban initiatives, major works, and transport developments. AreaSearch has identified no projects within the immediate area likely to produce a local impact. Relevant surrounding regional works include the SRL East - Works Package C - Tunnels - Cheltenham To Glen Waverley, the Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2, the Dingley Village (former Kingswood Golf Course) site, and the Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment
The proposed modernization and expansion of the Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre aims to upgrade the existing Ritchies Supa IGA and approximately 17 specialty stores. The plan includes the potential development of a top floor of approximately 3700 square metres to accommodate additional retail or commercial space. Current efforts focus on leasing and tenant management as the project navigates the planning phase, following historical community debate regarding proximity to local gambling venues.
Mordi Aquatic Centre
The Mordi Aquatic Centre is an $87 million state-of-the-art facility featuring a 50m indoor multi-purpose lap pool, learn-to-swim pool, warm water exercise pool, and leisure pool with a splash park. It includes wellness amenities such as a spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a gymnasium, fitness areas, and a cafe. Designed for sustainability, it targets a 6 Star Green Star rating with an all-electric design. Construction is currently on track for completion in late 2026, with roofing complete and internal fit-outs underway.
Keysborough Gardens Primary School Upgrade and Modernisation
The original upgrade and modernisation project has substantially completed, expanding the school by capacity for around 150 additional students with new learning spaces, Indigenous Friendship Garden, playground, sports facilities, canteen and car park upgrades. A further Stage 2 project is now under construction following 2026-27 State Budget funding of $8.064 million to deliver a new library, science and technology facilities and a synthetic turf oval, with completion forecast for Q1 2029.
The Strand Aspendale
Luxury beachfront residential development featuring 18 exclusive apartments with direct beach access and premium coastal living amenities.
Lower Dandenong Road Residential Village
Redevelopment of the existing Five Ways Caravan Park site into a residential village featuring 57 dwellings and a caretaker's house. The development includes ancillary communal facilities and represents a significant transformation of the site from caravan park use to permanent residential housing. The application includes removal of vegetation and alterations to road access in a Transport Zone 2. Reference number KP-2025/343 with Kingston City Council.
Perry Road Construction and Widening - Stage 3
Third and final stage of multi-stage road upgrade project including road widening, pavement reconstruction, drainage upgrades, installation of guardrails and streetlights, and a new shared user path along Perry Road between Atlantic Road and Pillars Road. Earlier stages between Greens Road and Atlantic Drive have been completed. The project aims to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and support commercial traffic in the Dandenong Industrial Area.
Aspire Keysborough
A boutique collection of 32 generous townhouses and 14 luxury apartments overlooking the parklands of Keysborough. The development features 3-5 bedroom townhouses with sleek finishes, open plan living spaces rich in natural light, and private outdoor spaces. Located in Melbourne's south-east, the project offers proximity to schools, shopping centres, golf courses, and Mordialloc Beach.
Roselle Townhomes
Roselle is a boutique residential community of 60 architect-designed two-storey townhomes by SOHO Living in Springvale South. The development offers 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes with contemporary open-plan layouts, landscaped streetscapes and premium finishes. Construction is underway with homes actively selling and completion targeted for late 2026.
1,428 residents of Waterways are employed, from a labour force of 1,497. Unemployment sits at 4.6%, with participation at 72.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,824, about 75% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A highly qualified workforce characterizes Waterways, highlighted by prominent representation across professional services and a 4.6% unemployment rate according to AreaSearch's statistical area syntheses. In March 2026, the working population stood at 1,428 residents, with local joblessness sitting 0.2% beneath the Greater Melbourne figure of 4.8% and labor force engagement registering at 72.9% (relative to 70.1% across Greater Melbourne). Census findings showed that 33.7% of workers operated from home, though this figure was likely shaped by Covid-19 restrictions. Resident employment centers primarily within health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical disciplines.
The workforce displays an outsized footprint in wholesale trade, employing personnel at 1.9 times the broader metropolitan standard. In contrast, construction accounts for 7.7% of local workers compared to the 9.7% regional benchmark. Due to its largely residential character, internal employment generation remains modest as shown by the balance between Census working and resident counts. AreaSearch evaluations of broader ABS and SALM data show that over the 12-month span concluding in March 2026, local labor supply shrank by 1.1% while filled positions dropped by 1.6%, pushing the unemployment rate up by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded a 2.1% expansion in employment, a 2.3% rise in labor supply, and a 0.2 percentage point uptick in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 outline broader hiring projections over five-year (6.6%) and ten-year (13.7%) horizons. Projecting these sectoral trajectories across the local industry profile suggests Waterways could experience employment gains of 6.5% after five years and 13.6% after ten years, representing a simple weighted model that does not incorporate specific local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Waterways is $3,013 a week (about $157,000 a year), with median personal income at $960 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $61,595 a year against an average of $82,168. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode data for financial year 2023 published by AreaSearch indicates that the suburb of Waterways's median individual taxpayer income is $61,595, alongside an average of $82,168, ranking among the top tiers across Australia and surpassing Greater Melbourne's median ($57,688) and average ($75,164). Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 brings estimated March 2026 figures to approximately $67,520 for median income and $90,073 for the average. Census data from 2021 ranks local household earnings in the 97th percentile ($3,013 per week). High earners dominate the locality, with 32.9% of residents (803 people) taking in $4000+ weekly, diverging from regional trends where 32.8% fall between $1,500 - 2,999.
In total, 50.7% of individuals receive more than $3,000 weekly, underscoring substantial affluence. Housing costs absorb 13.5% of income, disposable earnings place the suburb in the 96th percentile, and the SEIFA index assigns it to the 10th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Waterways had 709 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 0% apartments. 58% are owned with a mortgage, 12% rented and 31% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $623 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,500 a month, a total housing cost higher than 93% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 20.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 19.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The residential landscape recorded in the most recent Census revealed that separate houses made up 87.9% of dwellings in Waterways, while apartments, semi-detached properties, and other structures accounted for 12.1%, contrasting with Melbourne metro's distribution of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other formats. Outright ownership stood at 30.5%, matching Melbourne metro, while 57.7% of properties carried a mortgage and 11.8% were rented. Median monthly home loan repayments were $2,500 (above the Melbourne metro median of $2,000 and the Australian benchmark of $1,863), while weekly rent averaged $623 (well above Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375).
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Waterways counted 709 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 3.3 people each. 62% are couples with children, more than in 99% of areas nationally, against 20% couples without children. 7% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the vast majority of local residences at 92.5%, comprising couples with children (61.9%), couples without children (20.2%), and single parent families (10.0%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 7.5%, including single-person households at 6.5% and group households at 0.6%. The typical household size is 3.3 people, exceeding the 2.6 figure observed across Greater Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
40.3% of adults in Waterways hold a university qualification, including 27.0% with a bachelor degree and 9.5% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 97% of areas nationally. A further 11.9% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment across the locality is exceptionally high, with 40.3% of individuals aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, outperforming both the VIC mark of 33.4% and the national rate of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees comprise 27.0% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate study at 9.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Meanwhile, technical and vocational training accounts for 22.8% among residents aged 15+, consisting of certificates (11.9%) and advanced diplomas (10.9%). Overall academic enrollment remains elevated, with 33.0% of inhabitants attending an educational institution. This cohort includes 10.8% enrolled in secondary education, 10.4% in primary education, and 7.8% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Waterways reaches 5 stops on 4 routes, timetabled for about 1,800 services a week. The typical home sits about 270 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 2.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport within Waterways consists of 5 bus stops served by 4 routes, combining to provide 1,845 weekly passenger trips. Access is convenient, with residents located an average of 272 meters from their closest transit point. As a residential community, private vehicles remain the dominant commuting mode at 94%, with households owning an average of 2.1 vehicles (above regional levels). Additionally, 33.7% of the workforce operated from home during the 2021 Census, subject to pandemic conditions. Across all transit lines, service frequency averages 263 departures per day, delivering approximately 369 weekly services per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
79.4% of residents in Waterways report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 94% of areas nationally. 3.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of chronic illness rates and mortality statistics show outstanding health profiles throughout Waterways, featuring exceptionally low condition prevalence across all age brackets. Furthermore, private healthcare coverage is widespread, encompassing approximately 59% of the population (1,447 people), above the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 56.7%. The most widely reported conditions within the area are asthma (6.3%) and mental health conditions (4.3%), while 79.4% of residents reported having no long-term medical ailments, comparing favorably to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 13.8% of the local population (337 people), beneath the Greater Melbourne proportion of 15.1%, with older residents demonstrating strong overall wellness metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
44.7% of Waterways residents were born overseas and 45.3% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 87% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (15.7%) and Chinese (14.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is pronounced in Waterways, where 44.7% of residents were born overseas and 45.3% converse in a language other than English at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation at 44.4% of the population. In addition, Buddhism is notably well-represented at 11.9%, considerably higher than the 4.2% average across Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental lineage, the primary reported ancestries in Waterways are Other at 16.0%, English at 15.7%, and Chinese at 14.3% (more than double the regional share of 6.5%). Other communities with elevated representation include Vietnamese at 4.5% (compared to 1.9% regionally), Sri Lankan at 1.6% (versus 0.8%), and South Australian at 1.4% (versus 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Waterways is 41. 27.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Waterways is characterized as a mature residential neighborhood. As of August 2026, AreaSearch estimates indicate that 31.5% of inhabitants belong to the 45 - 64 age bracket (compared to 22.3% across Greater Melbourne), while those aged 25 - 44 represent 20.6% (versus 32.1% regionally). The median age is estimated at 41, matching the 2021 Census and remaining 4 years older than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 recorded during that Census. Inhabitants aged 65+ have increased from 11.2% at the Census to an estimated 13.8%. Specifically, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 20.7% to an estimated 18.2%, whereas the 55 to 64 group expanded from 11.8% to 13.3%, lacking incoming younger age groups.
By 2041, senior cohorts are projected to register the largest increase, adding 194 individuals (58%) to reach 531, while counts for younger adults and children are anticipated to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Waterways
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,422 at the 2021 Census → 2,443 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22720). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.