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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 12,090 by Nov 2025. This figure represents a growth of 2,021 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,069. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 12,009 in June 2024 and an additional 657 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 29 persons per square kilometer. Koo Wee Rup's growth rate of 20.1% since the Census exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.3% to recent population gains, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also playing positive roles.

AreaSearch's projections for Koo Wee Rup are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made via 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 ahead, Koo Wee Rup is projected to grow exceptionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally, with an expected increase of 7,542 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 61.7%.

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 recorded approximately 197 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 986 homes. As of FY26, 82 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand outpacing supply. New homes were constructed at an average cost of $257,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year saw $475,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup recorded 88.0% more new home approvals per capita, offering buyers greater choice despite recent development activity moderation. New development consists of 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% medium-high density housing, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 68 people moving in per dwelling approval, Koo Wee Rup exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 7,461 residents by 2041.

Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Costco Pakenham Warehouse, Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park, Kala Estate, and The Rise Estate - Pakenham. The following list details those most likely to be 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with the construction sector prominent. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% in September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.0%. As of September 2025, 6,655 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's and workforce participation similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction employment is particularly high at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.3%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0% while labour force grew by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from November 25, 2025 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 predict 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 approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 2022, Koo Wee Rup SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,725 and an average income of $60,009. These figures are below the national averages of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,015 (median) and $67,306 (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 (4,944 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, placing disposable income at the 55th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Koo Wee Rup's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Koo Wee Rup stood at 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.4% and rented ones at 15.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,940, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,866. Median weekly rent in Koo Wee Rup was $320, lower than Melbourne metro's figure of $361. Nationally, Koo Wee Rup's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,940 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $320 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 22.9%, composed of 21.0% lone person households and 1.8% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.8.

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%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (32.5%). Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

The analysis of public transport in Koo Wee Rup shows that there are six active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. In total, nine individual routes service these stops, providing 866 weekly passenger trips collectively.

The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located 943 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, across all routes, there are 123 trips per day, which equates to approximately 144 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Koo Wee Rup are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Koo Wee Rup shows below-average health indicators compared to Greater Melbourne. Common health conditions are prevalent across younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of Koo Wee Rup's total population (~5,984 people) has private health cover, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 51.6% and the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (affecting 9.2%) and mental health issues (8.4%). Conversely, 68.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.3%. Koo Wee Rup has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.3% (1,970 people) than Greater Melbourne's 13.7%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of the Census on 27 June 2016, 86.3% of its population were born in Australia, with 90.1% being citizens and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, making up 42.8% of people in Koo Wee Rup.

However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.1% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 3.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian at 33.1%, English at 30.0%, and Irish at 7.1%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 2.7% (vs regional average of 2.6%), Sri Lankan at 0.6% (vs 1.1%), and Italian at 4.1% (vs 3.0%).

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 considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Koo We Rup has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 12.0% to 14.3%, while the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.8% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 11.8% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for Koo Wee Rup indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow by 62%, adding 1,067 residents to reach a total of 2,795.