Koo Wee Rup
Statistical Area - sa2

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 November 2025, is approximately 12,090 people. This figure represents a growth of 2,021 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,069. The increase can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,009 in June 2024 and an additional 657 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 29 persons per square kilometer. Koo Wee Rup's growth rate of 20.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, positioning it as a region leader for growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.3% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also playing positive roles.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, based on the 2022 census, for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, Koo Wee Rup is predicted to grow exceptionally over the period, with an expected increase of 7,542 persons by 2041, representing a total growth of 61.7% over the 17 years.

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, 64 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand outpacing supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new homes in Koo Wee Rup is $257,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

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, though development activity has moderated recently. This is substantially higher than nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 68 people per dwelling approval, Koo Wee Rup exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate that Koo Wee Rup will gain approximately 7,461 residents by 2041. Development activity is keeping pace with projected population growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Koo Wee Rup has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. There are 6,511 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

Construction employment levels are at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1%, labour force grew by 4.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% with a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Koo Wee Rup. These projections estimate national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Koo Wee Rup's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Koo Wee Rup's median taxpayer income was $51,725, with an average of $60,009. Both figures were below Greater Melbourne's averages of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Considering a 12.16% increase in Wage Price Index since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $58,015 (median) and $67,306 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Koo Wee Rup's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution showed 40.9% of residents (4,944 individuals) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional patterns where 32.8% fell within this range. Housing costs consumed 15.9% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 55th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th 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, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 91.1% houses and 8.9% 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 $1,866. Weekly rent median was $320, lower than Melbourne metro's $361. Nationally, Koo Wee Rup's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were below the national figure of $375.

Koo Wee Rup features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-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 22.9%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 1.8%. 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.9%, significantly below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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 prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (32.5%).

Educational participation is high at 28.9%, including primary education (11.2%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (2.5%). Six schools operate within Koo Wee Rup, educating approximately 2,035 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 979) providing balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with five primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Koo Wee Rup has six active public transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with nine individual routes in total providing 866 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 943 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 123 trips per day, equating 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 outcomes, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% of its total population (~5,984 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 51.6% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.2%) and mental health issues (8.4%).

68.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.3%, with 1,970 people, compared to 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 86.3% of its population born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.8% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.1%), English (30.0%), and Irish (7.1%) were the top three groups in Koo Wee Rup. Dutch (2.7%) and Sri Lankan (0.6%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Italian was also higher at 4.1%.

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. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo We Rup has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, 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 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Koo Wee Rup, with the 35-44 age cohort projected to grow by 62%, adding 1,067 residents to reach a total of 2,795.