Maribyrnong

Population growth drivers in Maribyrnong are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Maribyrnong's population is around 13,830 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,257 people (10.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,573 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,818 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,519 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Maribyrnong's 10.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 80.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 4,582 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 33.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Maribyrnong among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Maribyrnong has recorded around 106 residential properties granted approval per year, with 530 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 87 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $472,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $38.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong records about 68% of the building activity per person and ranks in the 93rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. New development consists of 6.0% detached dwellings and 94.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 34.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. At around 275 people per approval, Maribyrnong reflects a transitioning market.

Population forecasts indicate Maribyrnong will gain 4,570 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Maribyrnong has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 24 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing, 191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development, White St, and the Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market in Maribyrnong shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Maribyrnong possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, and 4.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,507 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (79.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 35.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical. The area shows particularly strong specialization in finance & insurance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 6.9% of Maribyrnong's workforce compared to 9.7% in Greater Melbourne. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.2% while labour force increased by 4.5%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Maribyrnong. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Maribyrnong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Maribyrnong SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $62,880 with the average level standing at $82,400. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $68,068 (median) and $89,198 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Maribyrnong cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 35.2% of locals (4,868 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 67th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Maribyrnong displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Maribyrnong, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 33.7% houses and 66.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Maribyrnong lagged that of Melbourne metro, at 26.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (38.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Maribyrnong's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Maribyrnong features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.7% of all households, comprising 28.3% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 5.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Maribyrnong shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Maribyrnong significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.0% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 23.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (12.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in tertiary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 78 active transport stops operating within Maribyrnong, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 8,195 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 10% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 35.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,170 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 105 weekly trips per individual stop.

Maribyrnong's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Maribyrnong, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (8,284 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.1% and 6.8% of residents, respectively, while 76.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,951 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Maribyrnong is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Maribyrnong scores highly on cultural diversity, with 45.2% of its population born overseas and 49.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Maribyrnong is Christianity, which makes up 44.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 10.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Maribyrnong are Other, comprising 13.8% of the population, English, comprising 13.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%, and Chinese, comprising 12.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 11.8% of Maribyrnong (vs 1.9% regionally), Croatian at 1.4% (vs 0.7%) and Serbian at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

Maribyrnong's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Maribyrnong's median age is nearly matching the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (21.5%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (6.8%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.6% to 9.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.9% to 4.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 8.7% to 6.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Maribyrnong's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 55 to 64 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 62%, adding 925 residents to reach 2,414.