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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
According to municipal adjustments extracted from ABS demographics alongside verified addresses compiled by AreaSearch post-Census, the community of Waterways is home to approximately 2,443 residents in May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 21 individuals (0.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented 2,422 inhabitants. This calculation is derived from the latest resident count of 2,443, determined by AreaSearch through analysing the ABS June 2025 release of ERP details and address validations following the Census. The local population density reaches 1,445 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level recorded across Australian locations by AreaSearch.
In recent times, population increases were mostly supported by overseas arrivals, accounting for roughly 87.0% of the growth. For each SA2 sector, AreaSearch adopts the 2024 projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as a starting point. For SA2 territories where these figures are unavailable, projections are sourced from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA dataset, modified by aggregating local government area growth to SA2 boundaries via a weighted method. Cohort growth percentages from these profiles are projected forward to the decade spanning 2032 to 2041. Future demographic movements indicate that the suburb of Waterways will experience growth slightly under the median of national statistical regions, with an estimated rise of 194 individuals by 2041 according to merged SA2 projections, representing a 16-year increase of 7.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Based on AreaSearch research into building approvals datasets distributed from wider statistical regions, the suburb of Waterways averages approximately 3 home approvals annually, giving a total of 17 residences over the previous 5 financial years. Throughout FY-26 so far, no building approvals have been registered. Given that the suburb of Waterways has seen population numbers drop, this rate of construction has been relatively sufficient, presenting a favorable scenario for prospective purchasers. The suburb of Waterways experiences substantially lower levels of construction compared to Greater Melbourne, sitting 74.0% below the metropolitan per-capita average.
This restricted supply of new homes tends to bolster demand and support valuations for existing housing. This rate also falls below the national benchmark, highlighting the established state of the local market and suggesting possible planning restrictions. Furthermore, recent development is comprised entirely of detached houses, maintaining the local residential character with spacious family residences. With roughly 1226 individuals for each home approved, the suburb of Waterways exhibits a highly mature property sector. Long-term forecasts suggest the suburb of Waterways will add 194 inhabitants by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations by AreaSearch. If current building rates do not change, residential construction might fall behind population expansion, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and upward pressure on property prices.
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
Infrastructure improvements, significant projects, and planning changes can have a major influence on regional performance. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having an influence on the area. The key developments in the vicinity include Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Dingley Village (former Kingswood Golf Course), Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2, and SRL East - Works Package C - Tunnels - Cheltenham To Glen Waverley, with details provided for those most relevant to the locality.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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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.
1,432 residents of Waterways are employed, from a labour force of 1,503. Unemployment sits at 4.7%, 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 1,821, 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
Waterways has a highly qualified workforce with a strong concentration of professionals, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.7%, as calculated from AreaSearch's compiled regional statistics. In March 2026, 1,432 inhabitants are employed, matching the 4.8% jobless rate in Greater Melbourne, while the participation rate is relatively typical, sitting at 72.9% compared to the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census records show that a significant 33.7% of working residents performed their jobs from home, although this should be interpreted in the context of pandemic restrictions. The primary employment fields for working locals are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical roles.
A particularly strong concentration is visible in wholesale trade, which employs workers at 1.9 times the metropolitan rate. In contrast, construction workers are less common, representing 7.7% of the workforce compared to the metropolitan benchmark of 9.7%. This highly residential district appears to have limited local jobs, as shown by comparing the count of active local workers against the total working resident cohort from Census data. Analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, indicates that during the year to March 2026, the labour force fell by 1.1% and employment dropped by 1.7%, which led to a 0.6 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context for potential future demand in Waterways. These forecasts span five and ten-year periods and have been overlaid with the local employment profile to estimate growth trends. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though growth varies considerably across industry sectors. When these sector-specific projections are applied to Waterways's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years. This calculation represents a simple weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not incorporate localized population projections.
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
According to the most recent financial year 2023 ATO statistics compiled at the postcode level, taxpayers in Waterways earn a median income of $61,595, with a mean of $82,168. This represents an exceptionally high level nationally, compared to a median of $57,688 and mean of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of roughly $67,520 for the median and $90,073 for the average in March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census indicates that household earnings place the area at the 97th percentile, with weekly income at $3,013.
Analysis shows 32.9% of local residents, or 803 people, earn upwards of $4000, contrasting with the wider metropolitan area where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is most common at 32.8%. The large proportion of high earners, with 50.7% receiving over $3,000 weekly, points to strong financial resources in the area. Housing costs consume 13.5% of income, while these high earnings position residents at the 96th percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in 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
Residential configurations at the time of the latest Census consisted of 87.9% detached houses and 12.1% alternative options, including semi-detached residences, flats, and other housing styles, compared to Melbourne's metropolitan distribution of 67.9% detached houses and 32.1% alternative options. Outright home ownership stood at 30.5%, matching metropolitan levels, while remaining properties were mortgaged (57.7%) or occupied by tenants (11.8%). The median monthly home loan payment was $2,500, notably higher than the metropolitan median of $2,000, and the median weekly rent stood at $623, compared to the metropolitan median of $390.
On a national scale, mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rent levels are far higher than the Australian 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 make up the vast majority of households at 92.5%, consisting of couples with children at 61.9%, couples without children at 20.2%, and single-parent households at 10.0%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 7.5%, with single-person households representing 6.5% and shared group households making up 0.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.3 people exceeds the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
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
The local educational profile is distinct compared to the broader region, with tertiary qualification rates sitting at 40.3% for residents aged 15 and over, which is higher than the Australian rate of 30.4% and the state average for VIC of 33.4%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher learning. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Vocational education accounts for 22.8% of qualifications for those aged 15 and older, comprised of advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 11.9%.
Studies show strong educational enrollment, with 33.0% of local inhabitants participating in formal learning. This group includes 10.8% studying at secondary level, 10.4% in primary schools, and 7.8% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Waterways reaches 5 stops on 4 routes, timetabled for about 690 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 transit data shows 5 transit stops in Waterways, serviced by a network of buses. These stops accommodate 4 routes, supporting a total of 694 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is rated well, with residents living a typical distance of 272 meters from the nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 94%. Households average 2.1 cars, exceeding the regional average. A high proportion of 33.7% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Service frequency averages 99 daily runs across the entire route network, representing roughly 138 weekly runs at each 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
Health records demonstrate highly positive results in Waterways, based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, showing very low numbers of common ailments across all age brackets. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is remarkably high, covering approximately 59% of the population, or 1,447 individuals, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent diagnoses locally, affecting 6.3% and 4.3% of residents. Conversely, 79.4% of residents reported having no medical conditions, higher than the 72.6% recorded across Greater Melbourne. The locality has 14.7% of its population aged 65 and older, representing 359 individuals.
Health statuses among the elderly are especially favorable, with national metrics aligning closely with the broader population trends.
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 relatively high in the area, with 44.7% of residents born outside Australia and 45.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, claimed by 44.4% of the population. A notable overrepresentation is found in Buddhism, which is practiced by 11.9% of local residents, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%. Ancestry details indicate that the three primary self-reported origins are Other, at 16.0% of the population, English, at 15.7%, and Chinese, at 14.3%, which is higher than the regional average of 6.5%.
Several other backgrounds show notable representation compared to the wider metro area, including Sri Lankan at 1.6% of residents versus 0.8% regionally, South Australian at 1.4% versus 0.4%, and Vietnamese at 4.5% versus 1.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Waterways is 41. 26.4% 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
The median age of 41 years is older than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to metropolitan benchmarks, the 45 - 54 demographic is notably overrepresented at 18.1%, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are underrepresented at 8.7%. The local concentration of residents aged 45 - 54 exceeds the national figure of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 2.7% to 4.2% of the population, and the 55 to 64 group rose from 11.8% to 13.2%.
In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 20.7% to 18.1%, and the 5 to 14 group decreased from 15.2% to 13.3%. Projections suggest that the age structure will change significantly by 2041, with the 65 to 74 cohort expecting the highest growth of 42%, adding 96 people to total 326. Aging trends will persist, with residents aged 65 and older accounting for 75% of the projected growth, while declines are forecast for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 May 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 May 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.