Williamstown (Vic.)

Williamstown has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Williamstown's population is estimated at around 16,449 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,042 people (14.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,407 people in Williamstown (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,414 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 229 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,947 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Williamstown's growth rate exceeded the national average (9.7%) and the state's, marking it as a growth leader in the region since the Census date. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Williamstown (Vic.) expected to increase by 2,750 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Williamstown has around 64 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 324 homes were approved, with another seven approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.4 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

This suggests supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new homes is $599,000, indicating a focus on premium segment properties. In FY-26, there have been $21.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Williamstown has 53.0% less development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 15.0% detached dwellings and 85.0% medium and high-density housing, a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 56.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

Williamstown has around 607 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. Population forecasts estimate Williamstown will gain 1,619 residents by 2041, suggesting current development patterns should readily meet demand and potentially facilitate population growth beyond current projections.

Williamstown 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 its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 projects that are likely to have an impact on the area. Notable among these are the Workshops Pier Repairs Project, Williamstown Mechanics Institute Masterplan and Restoration, Williamstown Foreshore Precinct Upgrade, and Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club Redevelopment. The following list details those projects deemed 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Williamstown performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Williamstown has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.5%.

As of September 2025, 9,274 residents are employed at a 2.5% lower unemployment rate than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%, and similar workforce participation rate of 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.4 times the regional average), education & training, and health care & social assistance. Retail trade is under-represented at 7.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities.

Over September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 5.5% while labour force grew by 5.8%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Williamstown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Williamstown had a median taxpayer income of $69,801 and an average income of $107,492 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than the national averages for median income ($57,688) and average income ($75,164). By September 2025, estimates suggest these figures would have increased to approximately $75,560 (median) and $116,360 (average), based on an 8.25% growth in wages since the financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data places Williamstown's household, family, and personal incomes between the 85th and 88th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the largest segment in Williamstown consists of 31.0% of residents earning $4,000 or more weekly (5,099 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 32.8%. Economic strength is evident in Williamstown with 42.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing expenses account for 13.4% of income, and residents rank within the 89th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Williamstown displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Williamstown's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.4% houses and 43.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Williamstown stood at 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented dwellings at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,700, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Williamstown was $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Williamstown's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Williamstown has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 72.8% of all households, including 36.5% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.2%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Williamstown's residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than national averages. Specifically, 46.1% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. This is beneficial for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.5%).

Vocational pathways account for 23.7%, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Williamstown shows 66 active transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 4 different routes, collectively facilitating 4,770 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 182 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 681 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 72 weekly trips per individual stop.

Williamstown's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Williamstown's health metrics are strong across all ages. Young and elderly cohorts have low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 69%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 62.2% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma (7.4%) and arthritis (7.2%). 72% report no medical ailments, compared to 70.7% in Greater Melbourne. Williamstown has 20.9% residents aged 65+, higher than Greater Melbourne's 17.8%. Seniors' health outcomes are strong, outperforming the general population.

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

Williamstown's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 23.3% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Williamstown, making up 47.5% of people there. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation in Williamstown compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.2%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Croatian (1.5%) was slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.4%, Maltese (1.9%) showed a lower representation than regionally (3.4%), and Macedonian (1.0%) also had a lower representation than regionally (1.4%).

Williamstown hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Williamstown is 45 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Williamstown has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 75 to 84 increased from 5.0% to 6.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 11.8% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.7%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 16.7% to 15.4%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Williamstown's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 61% (adding 693 people), reaching a total of 1,828 from the previous count of 1,134. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 73% of the total population growth, reflecting Williamstown's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.