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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the population of Williamstown North was estimated at around 1,820 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 198 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,622. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,675 in June 2024, along with 351 new addresses validated since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,016 persons per square kilometer. Williamstown North's growth of 12.2% since the 2021 census exceeded national and state averages, primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 91.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 were used with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, the suburb is projected to have above median population growth, increasing by 296 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Between FY-21 and FY-25, Williamstown North received approximately 40 dwelling approvals annually. In total, this amounts to an estimated 203 homes over the past five financial years. As of FY-26, there have been 6 approvals recorded. On average, 0.1 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially accelerating population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost of new properties in the area is $644,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, there have been $2.1 million worth of commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Williamstown North has seen 158.0% more new home approvals per capita since FY-21, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area despite a slowdown in building activity in recent years. The type of dwelling approvals in Williamstown North is predominantly attached dwellings (80.0%), with detached houses making up only 20.0%. This shift from the current housing stock composition (39.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and a changing lifestyle preference towards higher-density living, which offers more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 228 people moving to Williamstown North per dwelling approval, the area shows signs of a developing market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Williamstown North is projected to add 195 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the region. Notable projects include Akuna Dr, Williamstown North, Elements, Williams Point Business Park, and Newport Community Hub Upgrade. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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Williamstown North ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Williamstown North has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector being notably prominent. Its unemployment rate is low at 2.8%, and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 5.3% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,107 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

The workforce participation rate is high at 76.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicate that 41.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key employment industries among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in finance & insurance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 10.5% compared to 14.2% regionally.

There are 1.4 workers for every resident, indicating that the area serves as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.3%, while labour force increased by 5.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Williamstown North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Williamstown North had a median taxpayer income of $60,811 and an average income of $93,841. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,828 (median) and $101,583 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data ranks Williamstown North's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 75th and 76th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant in Williamstown North, with 27.7% of residents (504 people), similar to Melbourne's metropolitan region at 32.8%. The suburb displays significant affluence, with 35.3% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 75th percentile. Williamstown North's SEIFA income ranking is in the 7th decile.

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

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

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

Family households constitute 62.8% of all households, including 29.4% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 33.6% and group households at 2.9%. 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% and the SA4 region's rate of 32%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 29.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route collectively offering 114 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 214 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of travel at 82%, while 10% use trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

In 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, 41.2% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual 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, with mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence typical of the general population but somewhat higher among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% (1,160 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. 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 22.2% (404 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 26.6% of its population born overseas and 16.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Williamstown North, accounting for 44.7% of its population. However, Judaism was notably overrepresented, comprising 0.3% compared to 1.0% in Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.9%), Australian (23.0%), and Irish (9.0%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish at 1.0% vs regional 0.8%, Macedonian at 0.8% vs 0.7%, and Maltese at 1.2% vs 1.1%.

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, which is also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 11.5% of the population in Williamstown North, compared to a lower prevalence of the 5-14 cohort at 6.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 5.9% to 8.6%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.6% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 8.5% to 6.9%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.6% to 14.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Williamstown North. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 47% (73 people), reaching a total of 230 from the previous count of 156. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.