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, Werribee's population is estimated at around 60,010 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 9,983 people (20.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 50,027 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 57,618 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1,581 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,401 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 national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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 suburb expected to increase by 35,423 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 55.0% 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, Werribee recorded around 759 residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 3,797 homes were approved, with a further 439 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 3.3 people moved to Werribee for each dwelling built.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $389,000. In FY-26, $349.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

This is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 85.0% detached dwellings and 15.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Werribee's suburban nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 112 people per dwelling approval, Werribee shows characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Werribee is expected to grow by 33,016 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified a total of 46 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Ison Road Project, Riverwalk Werribee, and Princes Freeway and Werribee Main Road Interchange Upgrade. The following list outlines those projects likely to be most relevant.

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 has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 7.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3%. As of December 2025, 31,184 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.2%, above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 74.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A moderate 23.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (employing 1.8 times the regional level), but professional & technical services employed only 6.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while the labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Werribee's median income is $53,148 and average income is $65,973. This is below Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,533 (median) and $71,416 (average), based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Werribee's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 40th and 44th percentiles in the 2021 Census. The predominant income cohort in Werribee is 35.9%, or 21,543 people, earning $1,500 - 2,999. This mirrors metropolitan patterns, with 32.8% in this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining, 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

The latest Census evaluated Werribee's dwelling structure as 85.0% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Werribee was 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented ones at 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Melbourne metro's $2,000 and the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $330, lower than Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375.

Werribee has a typical household mix, with a higher-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 account for 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, which is 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 the most prevalent at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are common, with 34.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (23.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary (10.4%), secondary (7.8%), and tertiary (4.5%) education.

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

Werribee has 248 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together facilitate 7,776 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living within 333 meters of the nearest stop. Most Werribee residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 86% of residents, while 8% use trains. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,110 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this report, showing the 100 nearest stops to Werribee's central location.

Health performance in Werribee is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly 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 all age groups but higher among older cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~31,757 people), slightly leading the average SA2 area rate of 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.5% and 8.0% of residents respectively. 70.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 13.1% of residents aged 65 and over (7,861 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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 cultural diversity is notable, with 36.8% of its population born overseas and 34.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Werribee, comprising 48.5% of the population. However, the most significant overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, which makes up 3.4% of Werribee's population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (20.2%), English (20.2%), and Other (16.7%). Notably, Maltese (1.8%) is overrepresented in Werribee compared to the regional average of 1.1%. Similarly, Italian (5.9%) and Indian (5.6%) groups are also more prevalent in Werribee than in Greater Melbourne (5.2% and 4.2%, respectively).

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 makes up 7.3% of Werribee's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. However, the 15-24 age cohort is less prevalent in Werribee at 11.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 17.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 17.4% to 16.1%. Population forecasts for Werribee in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 5,641 people (83%) from 6,781 to 12,423.