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 15,718 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,311 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,407 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,084 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 2,816 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Williamstown's growth of 9.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 7.1%, along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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 expected to increase by 2,756 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.0% 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 shows Williamstown recorded approximately 63 residential properties approved annually, with about 318 homes approved between financial years FY21 to FY25, and 6 more in FY26. On average, around 0.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. New homes were constructed at an average cost of $569,000.

This year, there have been $1.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Williamstown has 54.0% less development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% medium and high-density housing, differing from the existing housing composition of 56.0% houses. This reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Williamstown has a mature market with around 722 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, it is projected to gain approximately 2,356 residents.

Building activity aligns with growth projections, but increased competition may arise as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Workshops Pier Repairs Project, Williamstown Mechanics Institute Masterplan and Restoration, Williamstown Foreshore Precinct Upgrade, and Newport Community Hub Upgrade. 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.

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

Williamstown has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.6%.

As of June 2025, 9,282 residents are employed at a 2.5% lower unemployment rate than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Major industries include professional & technical, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Professional & technical employment is particularly high at 1.4 times the regional average.

Retail trade, however, is under-represented at 7.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited due to Census working population vs resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, while labour force grew by 5.9%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5% and labour force grow by 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall 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 simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Williamstown has a median taxpayer income of $69,798 and an average income of $107,469 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is notably higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $78,285 (median) and $120,537 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Williamstown's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 88th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 31.0% earning $4000+ weekly, with 4,872 residents in this bracket, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. Economic strength is evident through 42.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents 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

In Williamstown, as per the latest Census evaluation, 56.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 43.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 68.7% of dwellings are houses and 31.3% are other types. Home ownership in Williamstown stood at 40.9%, with mortgaged properties at 33.9% and rented ones at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,700, higher than Melbourne's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Williamstown was $450, compared to Melbourne's $386. Nationally, Williamstown's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 make up the remaining 27.2%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, matching the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Educational attainment in Williamstown is notably high, with 46.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 28.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.5%). Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.8% and certificates 12.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.4% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 6.6% in tertiary education.

Seven schools operate within Williamstown, educating approximately 4,083 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1108. The educational mix includes four primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school. There are 26.0 school places per 100 residents in Williamstown, significantly above the regional average of 15.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 64 active transport stops in Williamstown, comprising both train and bus services. These stops are served by 4 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 6,115 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 182 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 873 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 95 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 indicate strong performance across all age groups. Both younger and older residents have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is high at approximately 69% (10,861 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.9%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.4%) and arthritis (7.2%). 72.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.7%. Williamstown has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.9% (3,285 people), versus Greater Melbourne's 17.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Williamstown's cultural diversity was 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, comprising 47.5% of people. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.2% versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.2%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Croatian was slightly overrepresented at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 1.4%, Maltese was underrepresented at 1.9% versus 3.4%, and Macedonian was also underrepresented at 1.0% versus 1.4%.

Williamstown hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Williamstown is 45 years, which is 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 grew from 5.0% to 6.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased 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%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Williamstown's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 69%, reaching 1,830 people from the current 1,084. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting Williamstown's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.