Drouin

Drouin lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of November 2025, Drouin's population is approximately 22,182. This represents an increase of 2,409 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,773. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,825 as of June 2024 and an additional 391 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 67 persons per square kilometer. Drouin's growth rate of 12.2% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area (6.0%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted 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. By 2041, the area is projected to increase by 8,481 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 36.5% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Drouin was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Drouin has received approximately 265 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 1,328 homes were approved, with an additional 68 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years has attracted an average of 2.5 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $254,000, aligning with regional patterns. This year, Drouin has recorded $42.4 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Drouin exhibits moderately higher construction activity, at 24.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although recent construction activity has eased slightly.

Notably, Drouin's construction activity is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. With approximately 132 people per approval, Drouin reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Drouin is projected to add 8,100 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Drouin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Drouin Fields Estate, The Fairways Estate, Highfields, and Drouin Primary School Upgrade and Modernisation. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Drouin exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Drouin has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% and estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 10,679 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.5% below Rest of Vic.'s rate. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic., at 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.4 times the regional level, while accommodation & food services is under-represented at 5.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census data comparisons. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6%, labour force by 4.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.7% and labour force by 0.6%. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to November 25, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Drouin's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.1% in five years and 12.9% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Drouin SA2 was $48,676 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. The average income for this area during this period was $57,258. Both figures are lower than the national averages of $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average) for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Drouin would be approximately $54,595, with average income around $64,221 by that date. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Drouin, between the 29th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution shows 34.3% of the population (7,608 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to broader trends across the surrounding region at 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Drouin, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 33rd percentile.

Drouin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Drouin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.4% houses and 9.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Drouin stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.5% and rented ones at 21.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in Drouin was $330, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $320. Nationally, Drouin's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Drouin has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.0% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households making up 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Rest of Vic. average.

Drouin shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 15.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 32.0%. Current educational participation is high at 28.4%, including 10.8% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Drouin has 59 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 1,058 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average being located 435 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 151 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Drouin is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Drouin. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover rate is very low at approximately 48% (around 10,713 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.4% and 9.6% of residents respectively. Around 62.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 63.7% in Rest of Vic.. Drouin has 19.1% (4,245 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 20.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Drouin is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Drouin, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2020, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. A total of 87.0% of its residents were born in Australia, with 90.1% being Australian citizens and 95.1% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Drouin, accounting for 45.0% of the population.

However, Judaism showed an apparent overrepresentation, comprising 0.1% of Drouin's population compared to the same percentage across the rest of Victoria. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 32.6%, Australian at 31.9%, and Irish at 8.0%. Notably, Dutch ethnicity was overrepresented in Drouin at 2.8% (compared to 2.7% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (versus 0.3%), and Scottish at 7.9% (against 8.5%).

Drouin's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Drouin has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.4% of Drouin's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.7%, lower than Rest of Vic.'s figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.5% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.2%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Drouin's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 63%, adding 2,016 people and reaching a total of 5,204 from the current 3,187.