Drouin
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Drouin's population is around 22,182 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,409 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 19,773 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,825 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 391 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 67 persons per square kilometer. Drouin's growth rate of 12.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (6.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant increase is forecast in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Drouin expected to increase by 8,481 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, reflecting an increase of 36.5% over the 17 years.

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

Drouin has seen approximately 265 dwellings receive development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 1,328 homes were approved, with an additional 57 approved in FY-26 so far. 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 alone, Drouin has seen $42.4 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating robust commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Drouin shows 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.

This 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 Drouin's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 132 people per approval, Drouin reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate Drouin will add 8,100 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Drouin has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 27 projects likely affecting the region. Key initiatives include Drouin Fields Estate, The Fairways Estate, Highfields, and Drouin Primary School Upgrade and Modernisation. Projects of particular relevance are detailed below.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Drouin has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Drouin has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its construction sector is notably strong, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%.

As of June 2025, there are 10,143 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 3.7% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services are underrepresented at 5.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data analysis showing a decrease in labour force (-0.7%) and employment (-1.2%) from June 2024 to June 2025, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Drouin's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Drouin's median taxpayer income was $48,676 and average income was $57,258 in financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $48,741 and average income $60,693. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,595 (median) and $64,221 (average), accounting for a 12.16% growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Drouin rank modestly, between the 29th and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution shows 34.3% of Drouin's population (7,608 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to surrounding regions at 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Drouin, with only 84.3% of income remaining, 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 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 was 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. 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 15.9%, significantly below the Victorian average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 32.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.8%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (2.9%). A network of nine schools operates within Drouin, educating approximately 4,460 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 988) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes seven primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

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, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 25 different routes, offering a total of 1,058 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average being located 435 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 151 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 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 show high prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 48% (~10,713 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 10.4% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.6%. Around 62.6% report no medical ailments, close to the Rest of Vic's 63.7%. Drouin has 19.1% (4,245 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Vic's 20.8%. Senior health outcomes present challenges similar to those in the general population.

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

Drouin's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.0% born in Australia and 90.1% being citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 95.1%. Christianity dominated religiously, comprising 45.0%.

Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally. In ancestry, English (32.6%) and Australian (31.9%) were the highest, followed by Irish (8.0%). Dutch (2.8%), Hungarian (0.4%), and Scottish (7.9%) showed notable overrepresentation in Drouin compared to regional averages of 2.7%, 0.3%, and 8.5% respectively.

Drouin's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Drouin has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.4% of Drouin's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 10.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.6%, and the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 11.2%. The 65-74 group has also decreased from 11.7% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Drouin's age profile by 2041, with the 25-34 age group leading this shift and expected to grow by 63%, reaching 5,204 people from its current total of 3,187.