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 is around 20,896 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,828 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,068 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,699 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 489 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,793 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Braybrook's growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 83.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 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 applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Braybrook is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas, with an expected growth of 6,975 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 32.4% over the 17 years.

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

Braybrook has seen approximately 182 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 911 homes. As of FY-26128 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 is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value for new homes is $257,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $42.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting significant local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Braybrook exhibits 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 which caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 47.0% houses. With around 135 people per dwelling approval, Braybrook exhibits growth area characteristics. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Braybrook will gain 6,778 residents by 2041.

Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, but increasing population may intensify competition among buyers.

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

AreaSearch has identified 33 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being 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 likely to be 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.

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, with an estimated employment growth of 5.6% over the previous year.

As of that date, 12,196 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries employing residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing was 1.5 times the regional level, while construction employed only 6.8% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, labour force by 5.7%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded lower employment and labour force growth rates with a higher increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov showed Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Braybrook's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 2022 shows that Braybrook SA2 has lower income compared to national averages. The median income is $52,382 and the average is $62,305. Greater Melbourne's figures are higher with a median of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $58,752 (median) and $69,881 (average). Census 2021 data shows Braybrook's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 33rd and 46th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 32.6% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually (6,812 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

The dwelling structure in Braybrook, as per the latest Census, consisted of 47.3% houses and 52.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 49.7% houses and 50.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Braybrook was at 20.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (46.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Braybrook was $1,952, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure for Braybrook was $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $376. 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 higher-than-average 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 make up 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, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4 people.

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 SA3 area. Bachelor degrees lead 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+, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (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 high 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 covered by 9 different routes, which together facilitate 6,957 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average being 203 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 993 trips per day, equating to about 81 weekly trips per individual stop.

Braybrook's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Braybrook. Younger cohorts particularly have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~10,677 people), slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are most prevalent, affecting 7.3 and 7.1% respectively. 75.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.7% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 12.6% residents aged 65 and over (2,637 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 11.4%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being above average.

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, one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country, has 53.1% of its population born overseas and 60.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Braybrook, comprising 35.7% of people. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 15.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 8.7%.

In terms of ancestry, Vietnamese are the top group with 19.6%, substantially higher than the regional average of 8.9%. Other groups comprise 17.0% and English 12.6%, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.2%. Serbian (0.7%) and Chinese (11.8%) are notably overrepresented, while Filipino (2.9%) shows a notable divergence from the regional averages of 0.6%, 7.2%, and 1.7% respectively.

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 proportion 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 the present, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 16.0% to 17.1%, while the proportion 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%. Looking ahead to 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Braybrook, with the 45 to 54 age group projected to grow by 50%, adding 1,155 residents to reach a total of 3,487.