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 Nov 2025, is around 12,076, reflecting a growth of 2,007 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 19.9% change from the previous population count of 10,069. The population growth was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 12,009 as of June 2024 and an additional 657 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 29 persons per square kilometer. Koo Wee Rup's growth rate exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, positioning it as a leader in regional growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.3% to 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, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Koo Wee Rup is predicted to grow by 7,542 persons, reflecting a total increase of 61.9% over the 17-year period based on 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 properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 986 homes. As of FY26, 97 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.3 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpacing supply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $257,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY26, $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. Development activity has moderated recently. New development consists of 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature. With around 68 people per dwelling approval, Koo Wee Rup exhibits growth area characteristics.

Population forecasts indicate an increase of 7,475 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though 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 to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Costco Pakenham Warehouse, Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park, Kala Estate, and The Rise Estate - Pakenham. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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 representation across 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%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses in September 2025, 17.8% of residents work from home. 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 may be limited, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. 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. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Koo Wee Rup's employment mix, local employment is estimated to 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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Koo Wee Rup SA2 had median taxpayer income of $55,893 and average income of $64,918. These figures were below national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) in Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,504 (median) and $70,274 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Koo Wee Rup's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income distribution showed 40.9% of population (4,939 individuals) falling within $1,500 - $2,999 range. High housing costs consumed 15.9% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at 55th percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking was 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 structure, 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 figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Koo Wee Rup stood at 31.0%, mirroring Melbourne metro's rate. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 53.4%, while rented dwellings made up 15.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,940, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent 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 constitute the remaining 22.9%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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%. 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, 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 are served by five individual bus routes, collectively offering 554 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 943 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most commuters travel outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding 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 daily 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, which is around 6,182 people, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.2 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 68.1% of residents declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 1,968 people, higher than the 14.9% 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's cultural diversity is below average. As of the Australian Census on August 9, 2016, 86.3% of its population was born in Australia, with 90.1% being citizens and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 42.8% of people in Koo Wee Rup.

The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.1% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.1%) and English (30.0%) are significantly higher than their respective regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1%. Irish ancestry comprises 7.1%. Dutch (2.7%), Sri Lankan (0.6%), and Italian (4.1%) ethnicities show notable divergences compared to regional averages.

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 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 12.0% to 14.3%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 4.8% to 5.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 11.8% to 9.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Koo Wee Rup, with the strongest projected growth in the 35-44 age group, expected to grow by 62%, adding 1,069 residents to reach a total of 2,795.