Braybrook

Population growth drivers in Braybrook are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Braybrook's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 20,946 people. This figure reflects a growth of 1,878 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,068 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,699 in June 2024 and an additional 499 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,800 persons per square kilometer, placing Braybrook in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Braybrook's growth rate of 9.8% since the census is within 0.1 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and the latest annual ERP population numbers, Braybrook is forecasted to experience significant population growth in the top quartile of national areas, with an expected increase of 6,975 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 32.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Braybrook among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Braybrook has seen approximately 182 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 911 homes. As of FY-26134 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident per year per dwelling constructed has been observed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply meeting or surpassing demand. The average construction value of these new homes is $257,000, reflecting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalling $42.1 million have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Braybrook shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 81st percentile nationally. New developments consist of 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living that suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of 47.0% houses. With around 135 people per dwelling approval, Braybrook exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Braybrook to gain 6,728 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable progress with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

Braybrook has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified a total of 34 projects that are likely to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. Key projects include Defence Site Maribyrnong Redevelopment, West Footscray Community Facilities Plan, New Footscray Hospital, and redevelopments at 53 Wattle Road and 34 George Street. The following list details those most relevant to the area.

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

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Braybrook has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Braybrook's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.6%.

As of that date, 12,196 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 73.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high proportion of residents, 28.6%, worked from home according to Census responses. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

The area had a particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, construction employed only 6.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, while labour force increased by 5.7%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment at 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Braybrook. These projections estimate national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Braybrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Braybrook SA2 is $56,207, with average income at $65,747. This is lower than national averages of $57,688 median and $75,164 average in Greater Melbourne. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,844 median and $71,171 average. Census 2021 income data ranks Braybrook modestly, between 33rd and 46th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.6% of residents (6,828 people), similar to surrounding regions at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th percentile. Braybrook's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In Braybrook, as per the latest Census evaluation, 47.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 52.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Braybrook was at 20.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented ones at 46.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Braybrook was $1,952, lower than Melbourne's $2,000. The median weekly rent was $350 compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Braybrook's mortgage repayments were higher than the average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Braybrook features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 65.9% of all households, including 27.8% couples with children, 21.2% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 7.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational attainment in Braybrook aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

In Braybrook, 37.6% of residents aged 15 years or older hold university degrees, compared to the SA3 area's 46.1%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational pathways account for 22.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 years or older, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 13.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 8.1% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Braybrook has 85 active public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These are covered by 8 routes, serving 4,133 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically living 203 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 78%, followed by train at 10% and bus at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 28.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 590 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per stop.

Braybrook's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Braybrook's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area, at approximately 52% of the total population (~10,870 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and mental health issues (7.1%), with 75.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. As of 2021, 13.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,741 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Braybrook is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Braybrook's population is among the most culturally diverse in Australia, with 53.1% born overseas and 60.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 35.7%. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 15.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Vietnamese (19.6%), Other (17.0%), and English (12.6%). Notably, Serbian (0.7% vs regional 0.4%), Chinese (11.8% vs 6.5%), and Filipino (2.9% vs 1.3%) groups are overrepresented in Braybrook.

Braybrook hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Braybrook's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Braybrook has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (21.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 16.0% to 17.2%, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 23.2% to 21.4%. The percentage of residents aged 5 to 14 has also dropped, from 10.1% to 8.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Braybrook, with the strongest projected growth occurring in the 45 to 54 age cohort, which is expected to grow by 48%, adding 1,134 residents to reach a total of 3,487.