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 Werribee's broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's population is estimated at around 58,273 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 8,246 people (16.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,027 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 56,467 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 1,497 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,360 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Werribee's 16.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the state, 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 39,217 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 67.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Werribee recorded approximately 740 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 3,701 homes were approved, with an additional 251 approved so far in FY26. On average, 3.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating demand outpacing supply and potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing buyer competition.

The average expected construction cost of new homes was $388,000, below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $310.4 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. This is notably higher than national averages, reflecting strong developer confidence in the location.

New development consists of 84.0% detached dwellings and 16.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Werribee's suburban character while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 94 people moving to the area per dwelling approval, Werribee exhibits growth area characteristics. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Werribee is expected to grow by approximately 39,591 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 46 projects that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include the 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 expected to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Werribee recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Werribee's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 7.5% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 5.4%. As of June 2025, 30,778 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Werribee showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Professional & technical employed only 6.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 5.4% alongside labour force growth of 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Werribee's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Income data from AreaSearch for financial year 2022 shows Werribee's median income at $53,334 and average income at $66,203. This is slightly above the national averages of $51,897 (median) and $63,096 (average). In Greater Melbourne, median income was $54,892 and average income was $73,761. Based on a 12.16% increase in wages since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Werribee as of September 2025 are approximately $59,819 (median) and $74,253 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks Werribee's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 40th and 44th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 35.9% of locals (20,920 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to Melbourne's metropolitan region where 32.8% fall into this category. Werribee has severe housing affordability pressures, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Werribee, 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 88.1% houses and 12.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Werribee stood at 26.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.7%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,924 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Werribee was $330, which is below Melbourne metro's $370 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.1.

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 area average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 23.2%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.4%), secondary (7.8%), and tertiary (4.5%).

The area has 22 schools serving 12,994 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1020) and balanced educational opportunities. There are 11 primary, 8 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds regional averages (22.3 places per 100 residents vs 18.3), indicating the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Werribee has 233 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 16 routes in total, providing 15,514 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents have good access to these services, with an average distance of 333 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 2,216 trips per day across all routes, which equals approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

Werribee's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Werribee's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 53% of Werribee's total population (~30,890 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.5 and 8.0% of residents respectively. About 70.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 79.2% in Greater Melbourne. Werribee has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 12.6% (7,342 people), than Greater Melbourne's 8.3%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to the challenges they present compared to the broader population.

Werribee is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Werribee's population is culturally diverse, with 36.8% born overseas and 34.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Werribee, practiced by 48.5%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 3.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 7.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 20.2% of Werribee's population, higher than the regional average of 14.0%. Similarly, English ancestry is also high at 20.2%, exceeding the regional average of 14.2%. However, 'Other' ancestry is lower at 16.7%, compared to the regional average of 23.4%. Some ethnic groups are notably divergent: Maltese (1.8% vs region's 1.7%), Italian (5.9% vs 3.3%), and Indian (5.6% vs 14.7%).

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 years. The 0-4 age group comprises 7.4% of Werribee's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 15-24 age group makes up 11.7%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 17.0% of Werribee's population. During this period, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 17.4% to 16.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Werribee, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 6,470 people (100%) from 6,468 to 12,939.