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 15,027 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 620 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,407 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,941 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 232 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,693 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Williamstown's 4.3% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with Williamstown expected to grow by 3,022 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 19.5% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Williamstown has experienced around 64 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 323 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY26. On average, only 0.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $599,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $21.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Williamstown has significantly less development activity, at 53.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists of 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 56.0% houses. Williamstown shows a mature, established area with around 622 people per approval.

Looking ahead, Williamstown is expected to grow by 2,936 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones are 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 most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Williamstown positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Williamstown has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1%. As of December 2025, 9,196 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 74.2%, close to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Notably, 47.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Williamstown specializes in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, retail trade is under-represented, at 7.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 4.3%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.2 percentage points). National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Williamstown suburb has top percentile national income with median at $69,801 and average at $107,492. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Williamstown are approximately $76,516 (median) and $117,833 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data ranks Williamstown's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 85th and 88th percentiles nationally. Predominant income cohort in Williamstown is 31.0% (4,658 people) earning $4000+, differing from metropolitan region's dominant $1,500 - 2,999 category at 32.8%. Economic strength is evident with 42.4% of households having high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income, and residents rank in 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 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Williamstown was at 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented ones at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,700, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent was $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Williamstown's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,700 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Williamstown has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Williamstown's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.1% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, positioning it well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are 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 - advanced diplomas represent 10.8% and certificates, 12.9%. Educational participation is notably high in Williamstown, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, 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

Williamstown has 67 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by four routes, offering a total of 4,770 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 182 meters for residents. Most commuters travel outward from this residential area. Cars are used by 79% of residents, with trains at 10% and walking at 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 47.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 681 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Williamstown's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Williamstown's health outcomes show remarkable results, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 69% of Williamstown's total population (10,383 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Williamstown are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.4 and 7.2% of residents respectively. 72.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,215 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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 above average, with 23.3% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion in Williamstown, comprising 47.5%. However, Judaism showed significant overrepresentation, making up 0.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (26.2%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Croatian was overrepresented at 1.5%, Maltese at 1.9%, and Macedonian at 1.0%.

Williamstown hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

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 (7.7%). This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 5.0% to 7.4%, while the proportion of those aged 15-24 has risen from 11.8% to 13.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 14.1% to 12.3%, and the proportion of those aged 45-54 has dropped from 16.7% to 15.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Williamstown's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 61%, reaching 1,787 people from the current 1,111. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 56% of the total population growth, reflecting Williamstown's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.