Werribee

Werribee lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Werribee's population is estimated at around 60,043 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 10,016 people (20.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,027 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 58,834, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1,683 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,402 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Werribee's 20.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.3%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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. Moving forward with demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 31,016 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 49.6% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Werribee was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Werribee recorded approximately 759 residential properties granted approval annually between FY-21 and FY-25. Over these five years, around 3,797 homes were approved, with an additional 619 approved in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling built over this period attracted an average of 2.8 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $389,000. In the current financial year, Werribee has seen $349.0 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee's development levels are similar on a per person basis, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas and indicating strong developer confidence. New developments consist of 85% detached dwellings and 15% medium and high-density housing, preserving Werribee's suburban nature while attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 110 people per dwelling approval, Werribee exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Werribee is projected to grow by approximately 29,792 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable progress with population growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 45 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Ison Road Project, Riverwalk Werribee, and Princes Freeway and Werribee Main Road Interchange Upgrade. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Werribee faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Werribee has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 7.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%. As of December 2025, 29,148 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was at 67.7%, below Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 23.4% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Werribee shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (1.8 times the regional level) but has a lower proportion of professional & technical workers (6.3% vs Greater Melbourne's 10.1%).

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while the labour force grew by 2.9%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures: employment rose by 2.4%, labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Werribee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 indicates that Werribee's median income is $53,148 and average income is $65,973. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 during the same period. Based on a 9.62% increase as per the Wage Price Index from financial year ended June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income for Werribee is approximately $58,261 and average income is $72,320 by March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Werribee rank modestly, between the 40th and 44th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The earnings profile shows that 35.9% of locals (21,555 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Werribee, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile.

Werribee is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Werribee's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.0% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Werribee was at 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented ones at 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Werribee's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Werribee has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.7% of all households, including 34.5% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Werribee performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 24.9%, significantly lower than the SA3 average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.3% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 23.2%. Current educational participation is high at 30.8%, including 10.4% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The Werribee public transport analysis indicates 248 active transport stops operating in the area, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 17 individual routes, collectively facilitating 7,776 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 333 meters from their nearest transport stop. Predominantly residential, most Werribee residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 86%, while 8% use trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, some 23.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,110 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop. An accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Werribee is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Werribee faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across the board but notably higher among older age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~31,774 people), slightly leading the average SA2 area but trailing Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.5 and 8.0% of residents respectively. However, 70.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are largely typical. The area has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (7,625 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Werribee 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

Werribee's population shows high cultural diversity, with 36.8% born overseas and 34.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 48.5%. The 'Other' category is overrepresented in Werribee at 3.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (20.2%), English (20.2%), and Other (16.7%) are the top groups. Notably, Maltese (1.8% vs regional 1.1%), Italian (5.9% vs 5.2%), and Indian (5.6% vs 4.2%) populations are overrepresented in Werribee.

Werribee's population is younger than the national pattern

Werribee's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 0-4 age group comprises 7.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 11.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 17.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 10.6% to 9.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Werribee. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 5,294 people (79%), from 6,724 to 12,019.