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 Watsonia North is around 3,891 people. This represents an increase of 92 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,799 people. The current resident population estimate of 3,875 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, indicates a population density ratio of 2,683 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Watsonia North's growth rate of 2.4% since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the suburb. 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments 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 trends, a significant population increase is forecasted in the top quartile of national statistical areas. The suburb is expected to expand by 1,223 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 32.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Watsonia North, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Between FY21 and FY25, Watsonia North averaged around 1 new dwelling approval per year, with an estimated total of 6 homes approved. In FY26, there have been 0 new dwelling approvals so far. Over the past 5 financial years, an average of 1.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

However, this figure has increased to 18.5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. The average construction cost value of new properties is $521,000. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Watsonia North has significantly less development activity, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

However, there has been an increase in development activity in recent periods. Nationally, the level of development activity is also higher than in Watsonia North, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Watsonia North is forecasted to gain 1,248 residents by 2041. 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 likely to affect the region: Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, Diamond Creek Township Streetscape Improvements, M80 Ring Road Completion, and Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham). 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.

Watsonia North ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Watsonia North has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,144 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.6 percentage points below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area showed particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, accommodation & food employed just 4.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 6.4%. Employment levels increased by 1.9% during the year to June 2025, while labour force increased by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Watsonia North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Watsonia North's median income among taxpayers was $55,975 and average income stood at $66,796 in the financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes would be approximately $62,782 (median) and $74,918 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Watsonia North clustered around the 62nd percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 32.1% of the community (1,249 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.8% in the same category. Notably, 31.4% earned above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 88.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and placing the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 7th decile.

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

In Watsonia North, as recorded in the latest Census, 98.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.7% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This is compared to Melbourne's metropolitan area where 76.0% of dwellings are houses and 24.0% are other types. Home ownership in Watsonia North stood at 46.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.2%) or rented (12.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,050, lower than Melbourne's average of $2,167. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Watsonia North was $401, slightly higher than Melbourne's figure of $399. Nationally, Watsonia North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.8% of all households, consisting of 38.7% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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 the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (20.0%). Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.1% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

Watsonia North Primary School serves the area, with an enrollment of 563 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1078 indicating above-average socio-educational conditions. School places per 100 residents (14.5) fall below the regional average (18.4), suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Analysis indicates 22 active public transport stops in Watsonia North, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three distinct routes, together facilitating 1,729 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 247 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 78 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, with a typical distribution of common health conditions across both young and elderly residents. Private health cover is held by approximately 53% (~2,071 people) of the total population, slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 60.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and asthma (7.7%), with 68.5% reporting no medical ailments, comparable to Greater Melbourne's 69.3%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 22.4% (871 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and generally consistent with the overall population's health profile.

Watsonia North was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Watsonia North had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, 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 the population, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 47.1%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (22.6%), English (20.8%), and Italian (10.5%).

Notably, Macedonian (1.7%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.1%, as were Greek (4.6% vs 3.0%) and Croatian (1.1% vs 0.8%).

Watsonia North hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Watsonia North's median age is 41, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Watsonia North has a notably higher proportion of the 75-84 age group (8.6% locally) and a lower proportion of 25-34 year-olds (11.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.5% to 8.6%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.1%. The 55 to 64 group has also dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Watsonia North's age profile by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 65%, adding 217 residents to reach 552. The 0 to 4 group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 10%, adding only 23 residents.