Koo Wee Rup

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

Koo Wee Rup's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 12,252. This figure represents an increase of 2,183 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,069. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 12,009 as of June 2024 and an additional 724 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of about 29 persons per square kilometer. Koo Wee Rup's growth rate of 21.7% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.3% 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 employs 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 the years 2032 to 2041. According to these trends, Koo Wee Rup is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 7,542 persons, reflecting an increase of 59.6% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Koo Wee Rup has recorded approximately 197 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 986 homes. In FY26 so far, 97 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 3.3 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand outpacing supply. The average construction cost of new homes is $257,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In this financial year, $475,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup records 88.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated recently. The majority of new developments consist of detached houses (98.0%), with only 2.0% being medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature. With around 68 people moving to the area for each dwelling approval, Koo Wee Rup exhibits growth area characteristics.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to grow by 7,299 residents through to 2041. Development pace appears reasonable in relation to projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Koo Wee Rup has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 47 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Costco Pakenham Warehouse, Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park, Kala Estate, and The Rise Estate - Pakenham. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Koo Wee Rup demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Koo Wee Rup has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% as of September 2025. Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 5.0%.

There are 6,655 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is 73.7%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census data, 17.8% of residents work from home. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

Construction employment is notably high at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical jobs are lower at 3.3%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0% and labour force grew by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment growth was 3.0%, labour force growth was 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Koo Wee Rup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Koo Wee Rup SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,893 and an average level of $64,918. This is below the national averages of $75,164 and $64,918 respectively for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,504 (median) and $70,274 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Koo Wee Rup cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 40.9% of the population (5,011 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.9% of income, resulting in disposable income at the 55th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Koo Wee Rup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluation found that dwelling structures in Koo Wee Rup comprised 92.0% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Koo Wee Rup was at 31.0%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (53.4%) or rented (15.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,940, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Koo Wee Rup was recorded at $320, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Koo Wee Rup's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.1% of all households, including 37.0% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.9%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Koo Wee Rup fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (32.5%). Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% 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 shows six active stops operating within Koo Wee Rup. These stops are served by five routes, offering a total of 554 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 943 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 79 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 92 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Koo Wee Rup is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Koo Wee Rup faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~6,273 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.2 and 8.4% of residents respectively, while 68.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,077 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Koo Wee Rup ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Koo Wee Rup, as per the census conducted on 9 August 2016, showed a low cultural diversity with 86.3% of its population born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 42.8% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to 2.3% in Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the most represented group at 33.1%, significantly higher than the regional average of 18.4%. English ancestry followed at 30.0%, higher than the regional average of 20.1%. Irish ancestry stood at 7.1%. Divergences were evident in Dutch (2.7% vs 1.2%), Sri Lankan (0.6% vs 0.8%) and Italian (4.1% vs 5.2%) ancestries.

Koo Wee Rup's population is younger than the national pattern

Koo Wee Rup's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 12.0% to 14.6%, while the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.8% to 6.3%. Conversely, the population aged 45-54 has decreased from 11.8% to 9.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Koo Wee Rup. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 56%, adding 1,006 residents to reach a total of 2,795.