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

Maribyrnong's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 13,830 people. This figure represents a 10.0% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,573 people. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 13,818 in June 2024 and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,519 persons per square kilometer, placing Maribyrnong in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate exceeded the national average (9.9%) between 2021 and February 2026, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of 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. Based on these projections, Maribyrnong is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an expected increase of 4,582 persons by the year 2041. This reflects a total increase of 33.0% over the 17-year period from February 2026.

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

Maribyrnong has recorded approximately 106 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 530 homes were approved, with an additional 87 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 1.1 new residents arrive per new home each year over these five years.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $472,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY26, $38.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong records around 68% of building activity per person and places among the 93rd percentile nationally in terms of development activity. Recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. New developments consist of approximately 6.0% detached dwellings and 94.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 34.0% houses).

This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Maribyrnong reflects a transitioning market with around 275 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Maribyrnong is forecasted to gain approximately 4,570 residents by 2041. 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

AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could impact the area's performance. Key projects include Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing, 191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development, White St project, and Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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 Maribyrnong demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Maribyrnong has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.7%.

In September 2025, 9,516 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Maribyrnong was 80.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 35.8% of residents worked from home as of September 2025. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Maribyrnong shows strong specialization in finance & insurance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented, at 6.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, labour force by 5.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maribyrnong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on 1 July 2023 for financial year 2023, 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 financial year 2023, 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 income 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

Maribyrnong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 33.7% houses and 66.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maribyrnong was at 26.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented ones at 38.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Maribyrnong's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.7% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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

Maribyrnong's residents aged 15+ have a high educational attainment, with 44.4% holding university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. The area has a strong focus on knowledge-based opportunities due to this advantage. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 23.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 12.7%.

Educational participation is high in the area, 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

Maribyrnong has 78 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are covered by 9 routes, serving 8,195 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 210 meters, indicating good accessibility. Most commuters travel outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 78%, with trains used by 10% of residents. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 35.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency averages 1,170 trips across all routes, equating to about 105 weekly trips per stop.

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

Maribyrnong's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Approximately 60% of Maribyrnong's total population (8,284 people) have private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 7.1% and asthma impacting 6.8% of residents. Notably, 76.6% of Maribyrnong's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,951 people), with health outcomes among seniors ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 45.2% of its population born overseas and 49.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Maribyrnong, comprising 44.1% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 10.5% of Maribyrnong's population versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (13.8%), English (13.4%), and Chinese (12.7%). Notably, Vietnamese (11.8%) and Croatian (1.4%) populations are overrepresented compared to the regional averages of 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively. Serbian population is also higher at 0.9%.

Maribyrnong's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Maribyrnong's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (21.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 has grown from 7.6% to 9.0%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 2.9% to 4.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has declined from 8.7% to 6.8%. Demographic modeling indicates Maribyrnong's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 62%, adding 925 residents and reaching a total of 2,414.