Derrimut

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Derrimut's population is around 9,001 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 348 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,653 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,913 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 678 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Derrimut's 4.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 63.8% 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 utilizing 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 2,307 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 24.6% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Derrimut is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Derrimut has averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals each year, with 21 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $272,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $7.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Derrimut has significantly less development activity (84.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 2961 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Derrimut adding 2,219 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 32 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Derrimut Logistics Hub (Charter Hall), Ballarat Road Upgrade - Derrimut Section, Derrimut Road Infrastructure Upgrade, and Derrimut Industrial Precinct Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The employment landscape in Derrimut shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Derrimut possesses a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and 3.3% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,973 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in transport, postal & warehousing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 6.3% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. With 1.5 workers for every resident as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 3.3% alongside a labour force increase of 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Derrimut. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Derrimut's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Derrimut SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Derrimut SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,783 and the average income stands at $64,600, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,303 (median) and $69,930 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank exceptionally at the 81st percentile ($2,271 weekly). The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 40.6% of residents (3,654 people), reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. A significant 31.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 16.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 80th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Derrimut is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Derrimut, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Derrimut lagged that of Melbourne metro at 16.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (61.2%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,976, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Derrimut's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Derrimut features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 88.4% of all households, comprising 59.8% couples with children, 14.5% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 11.6%, with lone person households at 9.1% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 3.6 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Derrimut exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (30.5% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA3 area average of 23.9%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 27.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (15.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.2% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Derrimut, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 419 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 264 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 22.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Derrimut, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,608 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and diabetes, impacting 6.0% and 3.8% of residents, respectively, while 83.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 7.6% of residents aged 65 and over (683 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Derrimut is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 50.3% of its population born overseas and 62.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Derrimut is Christianity, which makes up 54.2% of the population. However, there is a significant overrepresentation of Buddhism, which comprises 11.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Derrimut are Other, comprising 24.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%, Vietnamese, comprising 14.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.9%, and Filipino, comprising 9.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.3%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 3.2% of Derrimut (vs 1.1% regionally), Macedonian at 2.1% (vs 0.7%) and Samoan at 1.9% (vs 0.3%).

Derrimut hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 34 years, Derrimut's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Derrimut has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (17.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.7%). This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.1%. Since the 2021 Census, residents have aged by 1.5 years on average, with the median rising from 32 to 34. Specifically, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.2% to 16.1% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 7.4% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 20.8% to 15.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 19.9% to 17.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Derrimut. The 55 to 64 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 74%, adding 617 residents to reach 1,450. Meanwhile, both the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.