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 is approximately 11,993 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,924 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,069. The growth is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 12,009 in June 2024 and 621 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density of 28 persons per square kilometer. Koo Wee Rup's growth rate of 19.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both national (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.3% to overall population gains recently, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with an expected increase of 7,542 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, resulting in a total increase of 63.0% 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 properties granted approval per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 986 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 33 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 3.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices and increases buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $369,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $475,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly focused on residential development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee Rup records 88.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice, although development activity has moderated recently. This is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% medium to 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 growth area characteristics.

Population forecasts indicate that Koo Wee Rup will gain approximately 7,558 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 50 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Costco Pakenham Warehouse, Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park, Stockland Averley, and Kala Estate. The following details those most relevant.

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

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 white and blue collar employment. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% and estimated employment growth of 4.1% in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 6,511 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.4% 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 notably high at 1.9 times the regional average, while 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. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1%, labour force by 4.4%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May 2025 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 growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Koo Wee Rup had a median taxpayer income of $51,725 and an average income of $60,009. These figures are below the national averages of $54,892 and $73,761 for Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $56,954 (median) and $66,076 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Koo Wee Rup are at the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows 40.9% of the population (4,905 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.9% of income, but strong earnings place 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

Koo Wee Rup's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 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. Median weekly rent in Koo Wee Rup was $320, lower than Melbourne metro's $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 versus 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 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, 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 lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are 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 11.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Six schools operate within Koo Wee Rup, educating approximately 2,035 students as of 2021. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 979) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with five primary 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

Public transport analysis shows six active stops operating within Koo Wee Rup, serving a mix of bus routes. Nine individual routes service these stops, collectively offering 866 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 943 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 123 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 144 weekly trips per 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 has below-average health outcomes compared to other areas. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of Koo Wee Rup's total population (~5,936 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Melbourne's 51.6% and the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.2%) and mental health issues (8.4%). About 68.1% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% in Greater Melbourne. Koo Wee Rup has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.3% (1,954 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.3% of its population born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Koo Wee Rup, comprising 42.8% of people. However, the most significant overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which accounted for 1.1% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), Australian was the largest group at 33.1%, substantially higher than the regional average of 26.7%. English and Irish followed with 30.0% and 7.1% respectively. Notably, Dutch were slightly overrepresented at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 2.6%, while Sri Lankan was underrepresented at 0.6% (regional average: 1.1%) and Italian was moderately overrepresented at 4.1% (regional average: 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 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Koo Wee 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 the present day, the age group 35-44 has grown from 12.0% to 14.3%, while the 75-84 cohort has increased from 4.8% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 11.8% to 9.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Koo Wee Rup, with the strongest projected growth in the 35-44 cohort, which is expected to grow by 63%, adding 1,081 residents and reaching a total of 2,795.