Watsonia North

An assessment of population growth drivers in Watsonia North reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Watsonia North statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,883 people. This reflects an increase of 84 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,799 people in the area. The current resident population estimate of 3,870, obtained from AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date, indicates a population density ratio of 2,677 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Watsonia North (SA2). AreaSearch is adopting 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, 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 applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, the Watsonia North statistical area (Lv2) is forecasted to experience a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with an expected expansion of 1,223 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 32.4% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Watsonia North is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Watsonia North shows an average of around 1 new dwelling approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 9 homes were approved, with no approvals so far in FY-26.

This averages to about 1 person moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes is $521,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Watsonia North has significantly less development activity, at 93.0% below the regional average per person. This limited supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. However, this activity remains below national averages, possibly due to planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 1553 people per dwelling approval, Watsonia North reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by 1,256 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Watsonia North has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may affect this region. Notable projects are Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, Diamond Creek Township Streetscape Improvements, M80 Ring Road Completion, and Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham). 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.

Employment conditions in Watsonia North demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Watsonia North has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, as of September 2025, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 64.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.3 times higher than the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 4.0% compared to the regional average of 6.4%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the comparison of Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while labour force grew by 0.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Watsonia North's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 ended June 2023 indicates that median income in Watsonia North is $55,975, while average income stands at $66,796. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $60,593 and average income around $72,307 by September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Watsonia North cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. Income brackets show that 32.1% of locals (1,246 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category. A significant 31.4% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Watsonia North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Watsonia North's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Watsonia North stood at 46.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 12.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,050, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Watsonia North was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $399. Nationally, Watsonia North's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,050 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $401 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.8% of all households, including 38.7% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households at 2.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Watsonia North shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Watsonia North trail regional benchmarks with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 41.2% in SA3 area. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (20.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 22 active public transport stops in Watsonia North, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three distinct routes, collectively facilitating 963 weekly passenger trips. Residential accessibility to public transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically situated 199 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 137 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Watsonia North's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Watsonia North's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (around 2,067 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 60.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.5% and 7.7% of residents respectively. Around 68.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Greater Melbourne. Approximately 22.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (869 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, generally consistent with the overall population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Watsonia North was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Watsonia North had a higher level of cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 22.7% of its population born overseas and 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Watsonia North, making up 56.0% of its population, which is higher than the 47.1% figure for Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups in Watsonia North were Australian (22.6%), English (20.8%), and Italian (10.5%).

Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Macedonian was overrepresented at 1.7%, compared to the regional average of 1.1%, Greek was at 4.6% versus 3.0%, and Croatian was at 1.1% compared to 0.8%.

Watsonia North's median age exceeds the national pattern

Watsonia North's median age is 41, which is notably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Locally, those aged 75-84 are significantly overrepresented at 8.6%, while individuals aged 25-34 are underrepresented at 11.1%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 7.5% to 8.6% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort decreased from 12.4% to 11.1%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from 11.3% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate a significant shift in Watsonia North's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 65%, adding 218 residents to reach 552.