Berwick - North
Statistical Area - sa2

Berwick - North is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Berwick - North's population is 23,854 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 891 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,963. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 23,797 in June 2024 and an additional 112 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,207 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Berwick - North's growth rate of 3.9% since the census places it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.1%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Berwick - North is expected to increase by just below the median of national statistical areas, with a projected population increase of 1,847 persons to 2041, recording a total gain of 7.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Berwick - North, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Berwick - North has seen approximately 54 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 273 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 12 approvals so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $969,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

Commercial development approvals amount to $78.0 million in the current financial year, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Berwick - North shows significantly reduced construction, at 62.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 56.0% detached dwellings and 44.0% medium to high-density housing, offering a blend of attached housing types catering to various price ranges. This shift from the area's current housing composition (82.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 543 people per approval, Berwick - North suggests a mature market.

By 2041, the population is projected to grow by 1,790 residents. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Berwick - North has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Casey Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Berwick Health and Education Precinct, Clyde Road Upgrade, and Berwick Waterways Precinct Structure Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Berwick - North has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.6% as of June 2025. The area's estimated employment growth over the past year is 4.3%.

There are 13,265 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is 61.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has notable concentration with levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 7.8% of Berwick - North's workforce compared to 10.1% in Greater Melbourne. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force increased by 4.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%. As of Sep-25, state-level data shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Berwick - North's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5%% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Berwick - North had a median taxpayer income of $55,750 and an average of $82,924 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2022. This is high compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 in the same period. As of March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $61,386 (median) and $91,308 (average), based on a 10.11% increase from financial year 2022 using the Wage Price Index. According to the 2021 Census, Berwick - North's incomes cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 30.9% (7,370 individuals) of the community in Berwick - North, similar to the 32.8% at regional levels. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Berwick - North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Berwick - North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.0% houses and 18.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berwick - North stood at 40.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 19.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's $1,900 and the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $380, exceeding Melbourne metro's $370 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.8% of all households, including 36.3% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.2%, with lone person households at 23.5% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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

Educational qualifications in Berwick - North trail regional benchmarks with 27.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (21.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education. As of 2016, 12 schools serve 5,958 students while Berwick - North demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1080). The educational mix includes 3 primary, 2 secondary, and 7 K-12 schools. As of 2016, the area functions as an education hub with 25.0 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 16.0 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Berwick - North has 127 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 20 different routes, together facilitating 7,674 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 246 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,096 trips per day, translating to roughly 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Berwick - North is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Berwick North faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (14,622 people), compared to 53.6% across Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7% and 8.1% of residents respectively.

Sixty-six point six percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (5,331 people), which is higher than the 15.7% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Berwick - North was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Berwick-North was found to have a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 29.3% of its population born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Berwick-North, making up 50.8% of its population. However, Buddhism stands out as being more prevalent in Berwick-North compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 2.6% versus 5.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English at 25.9%, Australian at 22.3%, and Other at 9.6%. English ancestry is notably higher than the regional average of 18.1%, while Other ancestry is lower than the regional average of 22.0%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Dutch at 2.5% versus 1.6%, and Sri Lankan at 1.2% versus 2.3%.

Berwick - North hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Berwick - North is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 75-84 years make up 8.4% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise only 9.6%, both figures being notably different from Greater Melbourne's demographics. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 12.3% to 13.1%, whereas the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 10.4% to 9.6%. By 2041, projections suggest significant shifts in Berwick - North's age structure, with the 85+ age cohort expected to rise by 849 people (a 91% increase) from 937 to 1,787. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, projections indicate declines in the populations aged 25-34 and 0-4 years.