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 November 2025, is approximately 20,920. This figure represents an increase of 1,852 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,068. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,699 in June 2024 and an additional 489 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,796 persons per square kilometer, placing Braybrook in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Braybrook's growth rate of 9.7% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the state's (10.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.9% of overall population gains 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and 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 32.3% 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 experienced between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or surpassing demand. The average construction cost value for new homes in Braybrook is $257,000, reflecting more affordable housing options.

In the current financial year, $42.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Braybrook shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 81st percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 47.0% houses. With around 135 people per dwelling approval, Braybrook exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Braybrook is forecasted to gain approximately 6,754 residents by 2041. Construction activity is maintaining pace with projected population growth, although increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones 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 likely to be 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.

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

Braybrook has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.6%.

There are 12,196 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Braybrook is 73.2%, slightly above Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census data, 28.6% of residents work from home. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, construction employs only 6.8% of local workers, lower than 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 year to September 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, while labour force grew by 5.7%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment (0.1 percentage points). In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Braybrook's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Braybrook's current employment mix.

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 that Braybrook SA2 has a median income of $56,207 and an average income of $65,747. These figures are lower than the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) for Greater Melbourne. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,844 (median) and $71,171 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Braybrook's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 33rd and 46th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the majority of residents, 32.6% or 6,819 people, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, a figure closely aligned with the surrounding region at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Braybrook, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area'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

Dwelling structure in Braybrook, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 29 August 2016, comprised 47.3% houses and 52.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Braybrook was at 20.5%, with the remainder being mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (46.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Braybrook was $1,952, lower than Melbourne's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Braybrook was $350, compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Braybrook's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less 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

Educational qualifications in Braybrook trail regional benchmarks, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 46.1% in the SA3 area. 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+, 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, including 8.1% in primary education, 8.1% in tertiary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 light rail and bus services. These are served by eight routes that facilitate 4,133 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward using cars (78%), followed by trains (10%) and buses (6%). Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, a high 28.6% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 590 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual 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 match 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, with approximately 52% of Braybrook's total population (~10,857 people) having it, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and mental health issues (7.1%). 75.4% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Braybrook has 12.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,640 people), lower than the 14.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for 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 has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 53.1% of its residents born overseas and 60.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Braybrook, accounting for 35.7% of the population. However, Buddhism stands out as notably overrepresented, comprising 15.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Vietnamese people make up 19.6% of Braybrook's population, significantly higher than the regional average of 1.9%. The 'Other' category comprises 17.0%, while English ancestry is at 12.6%, notably lower than Melbourne's average of 20.1%. Serbian (0.7%) and Chinese (11.8%) populations are also notably higher in Braybrook compared to the regional averages of 0.4% and 6.5% respectively, while Filipino ancestry is at 2.9%, higher than the regional average of 1.3%.

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 average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Braybrook has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (22.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 16.0% to 17.1%, while the percentage of those aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 23.2% to 22.0%. The proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has also dropped, from 10.1% to 9.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Braybrook, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group, which is expected to grow by 49%, adding 1,152 residents and reaching a total of 3,487.