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

As of Feb 2026, Werribee South's population is estimated at around 2,368, reflecting a decrease of 24 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,392. This estimate is based on AreaSearch validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 2,358 plus an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 64 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Werribee South has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%, outpacing Greater Melbourne. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projections for Werribee South are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods.

Exceptional growth is predicted over the period from 2026 to 2041, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,094 persons, reflecting a gain of 45.8% in total population 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Werribee South has seen approximately one new home approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around five homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 76.2 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

This indicates supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee South has seen substantially reduced construction activity. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. Nationally, new construction levels are lower than the area's level, suggesting possible development constraints. All new constructions in Werribee South have been standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low density character and appealing to families seeking space.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing compared to the existing pattern (75.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1021 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Werribee South is projected to add 1,084 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact the area. Major 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 notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year. As of that date, 1,532 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Werribee South was 79.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 23.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance. Notably, employment levels in agriculture, forestry & fishing were 18.9 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 4.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The ratio of workers per resident was 0.9 as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, labour force grew by 4.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Werribee South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Werribee South's median income among taxpayers is $50,789. The average income in the suburb is $62,978. This is lower than the national average. Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Werribee South would be approximately $54,979 (median) and $68,174 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 60th percentile ($857 weekly), while household income sits at the 41st percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.2% of the community (762 individuals). After housing, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. Werribee South'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 per the latest Census, consisted of 74.6% houses and 25.4% 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 South was 41.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (31.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,127, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Werribee South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $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, including 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%. 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 average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.1% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 22.1%. Educational participation is 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, offering a total of 226 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated moderate, with residents located an average of 529 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with outward commuting being common. Cars are the primary mode of transport at 86%, while walking accounts for 8%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 32 trips per day, equating to around 16 weekly trips per 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 shows Werribee South residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions found results broadly in line with national benchmarks.

Prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 52% (~1,225 people) of the population has 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 declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. There are 499 people aged 65 and over, which is 21.1% of the population, higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly 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 its residents born overseas and 21.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Werribee South, accounting for 63.7% of the population, 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%) and Welsh (0.9%) populations were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 0.4%, respectively, while Greek representation was also notably high at 6.0% versus the regional average of 2.7%.

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

The median age in Werribee South is 45 years, 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 proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.4% to 12.7%, and the 5-14 age group grew from 8.6% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 11.6% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Werribee South's age structure, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 64%, reaching 599 people from 364.