Williamstown North

An assessment of population growth drivers in Williamstown North reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of Williamstown North is estimated at around 2,280 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 658 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 40.6% rise from the previous population count of 1,622 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 2,269 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 358 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,273 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Williamstown North's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.8%) and the state, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections indicate a decline in overall population by 2041, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 151 persons according to AreaSearch's methodology. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, led by the 75 to 84 age group projected to increase by 93 people over this period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Williamstown North recorded around 40 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY26. This totals an estimated 204 homes. As of FY26, six approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, yet development activity has remained adequate relative to this decline, which is positive for buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $644,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $2.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Williamstown North records 152% more building activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers despite recent slowdowns. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 20% detached dwellings and 80% attached dwellings, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 39% houses). With around 208 people per dwelling approval, Williamstown North exhibits growth area characteristics. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Williamstown North may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Williamstown North may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to affect the region: Akuna Dr, Williamstown North, Elements, Williams Point Business Park, and Newport Community Hub Upgrade. Details about these key projects follow.

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

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The labour market in Williamstown North shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Williamstown North has a well-educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,161 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Williamstown North was 59.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 41.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in finance & insurance, employing 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 10.5% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. There are 1.4 workers for every resident, indicating that Williamstown North functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 5.0% while the labour force grew by 5.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Williamstown North's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Williamstown North has a median taxpayer income of $60,811 and an average income of $93,841 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is notably higher than the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Based on a 9.62% increase from the Wage Price Index since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $66,661 (median) and $102,869 (average). In Williamstown North, household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly nationally, between the 75th and 76th percentiles according to Census 2021 income data. The earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 27.7% of the community (631 individuals), reflecting a pattern seen in the surrounding region where 32.8% fall within this range. A substantial portion of the community consists of higher earners, with 35.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 75th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Williamstown North displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Williamstown North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Williamstown North was at 25.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.1% and rented at 37.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $400 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Williamstown North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.8 percent of all households, including 29.4 percent couples with children, 23.9 percent couples without children, and 9.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.2 percent, with lone person households at 33.6 percent and group households comprising 2.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Williamstown North demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 35.9%, higher than the Australian average of 30.4%. This exceeds the South Australian region (SA4) average of 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%.

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 12.2% and certificates for 16.9%. Educational participation is high, with 27.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in secondary education, 6.4% in tertiary education, and 5.6% pursuing primary education.

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

Williamstown North has six active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 114 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 214 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 82% of residents, while 10% use trains. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 41.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, there are an average of 16 trips per day, resulting in approximately 19 weekly trips per stop.

Williamstown North'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

Williamstown North's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (1,454 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.9 and 8.3% of residents respectively, while 67.3% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (510 people), which is higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Williamstown North's population showed high cultural diversity, with 26.6% born overseas and 16.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.7%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (24.9%), Australian (23.0%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, Polish (1.0%) Macedonian (0.8%), and Maltese (1.2%) communities were relatively more represented compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 0.7%, and 1.1% respectively.

Williamstown North's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Williamstown North is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 11.6% of the population in Williamstown North, compared to a lower prevalence of the 5-14 cohort at 6.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.9% to 8.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.6% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 8.5% to 6.7%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 15.6% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Williamstown North, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 22 people, reaching 244 from 200. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.