Werribee South

Werribee South 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, the estimated population of Werribee South as of Feb 2026 is around 2,368. This reflects a decrease of 24 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,392 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,358 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 64 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Werribee South has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with these demographic trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,331 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 64.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Werribee South according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Werribee South had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, an estimated four homes were approved. In FY26 so far, zero approvals have been recorded.

This results in an average of 93.8 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed over this period. Werribee South's construction activity is substantially lower than Greater Melbourne and national levels, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. All approved dwellings were detached houses, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, reflecting strong demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1276 people, reflecting Werribee South's quiet development environment.

Werribee South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects include East Werribee Employment Precinct, Harpley Estate, Mambourin (Black Forest Road North Precinct), and Wyndham Harbour Marina Development. 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.

Werribee South has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Werribee South has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.2% in September 2025, which is 0.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%.

As of September 2025, 1,535 residents were employed, with an 80.0% workforce participation rate compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A moderate 23.8% of residents worked from home according to Census responses. Key industries include construction, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 18.9 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 4.8% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There were 0.9 workers for each resident at the time of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1%, while labour force grew by 5.2% with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that Werribee South's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023 for financial year 2023, the suburb of Werribee South's median income among taxpayers is $50,789. The average income in this period was $62,978. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and the average was $75,164 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Werribee South's median income would be approximately $54,979 and the average would be around $68,174 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 60th percentile with a weekly income of $857, while household income sits at the 41st percentile. In terms of income distribution, 32.2% of individuals in Werribee South earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the pattern seen at regional levels where 32.8% fall within this range. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Werribee South, as evaluated at the latest Census (2016), comprised 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Werribee South was 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.9% and rented at 31.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,127, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Werribee South was $350, while Melbourne metro was $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

Werribee South features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.1% of all households, consisting of 25.8% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 21.1%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (22.1%). Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.1% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Werribee South has 14 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route in total, offering 226 weekly passenger trips combined. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents usually located 529 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 86%, while walking accounts for 8%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.8% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Werribee South's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates positive outcomes for Werribee South residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 52% (~1,225 people) have private health cover, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and asthma (7.6%). 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 2021, the area has 20.3% (480 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Werribee South had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.2% of residents born overseas and 21.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Werribee South, comprising 63.7%, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups were English (19.7%), Australian (18.7%), and Italian (12.3%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 5.2%.

Notably, Maltese (3.6%) Welsh (0.9%), and Greek (6.0%) populations in Werribee South were disproportionately high compared to regional averages of 1.1%, 0.4%, and 2.7% respectively.

Werribee South hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Werribee South is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee South has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (12.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 13.6% to 14.4%, while the population aged 25-34 declined from 11.6% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Werribee South's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 84%, increasing from 362 people to 667.