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 was approximately 13,960 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 1,387 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,573. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 13,960 in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,542 persons per square kilometer, placing Maribyrnong in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 11.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (9.3%) and national averages, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.3% of overall population gains during recent periods in Maribyrnong.

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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods 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 expected to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 4,289 persons forecasted by 2041. This reflects a total increase of 30.7% over the 16-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

Maribyrnong has granted approximately 106 residential property approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 530 homes were approved, with an additional 89 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, about 1.1 new residents have arrived annually for each new home over these five years, indicating a balance between supply and demand.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $472,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $38.7 million, reflecting robust commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong records around 67% of building activity per person and ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally for development activity. New developments consist of 6.0% detached dwellings and 94.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 34.0% houses). This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Maribyrnong reflects a transitioning market with around 275 people per approval. By 2041, population forecasts indicate Maribyrnong will gain approximately 4,289 residents. 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

Twenty-four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include key developments like 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 considered most relevant.

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

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

Maribyrnong has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.3% as of December 2025. Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 4.2%.

As of that date, 9,507 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation was 79.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 35.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Finance & insurance has a strong representation 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%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, labour force by 4.5%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion at 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Maribyrnong SA2 had median income among taxpayers of $62,880 and average income of $82,400. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Melbourne's $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 would be approximately $68,929 and average income $90,327. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Maribyrnong cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Distribution data shows predominant cohort spans 4,913 people (35.2% of locals) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with regional levels at 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 67th percentile. 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 structures, as per the latest Census data, comprised 33.7% houses and 66.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is in contrast to Melbourne metro's figures of 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 in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. However, the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Maribyrnong's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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, which 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

Maribyrnong's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 44.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.0% in the SA4 region. This advantage positions Maribyrnong 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+, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 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

Maribyrnong has 78 active public transport stops, including light rail and bus services. These stops are served by nine different routes that collectively facilitate 8,195 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 210 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 78%, while train usage stands at 10%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

Notably, 35.8% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; this figure might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions). Daily service frequency averages 1,170 trips across all routes, equating to roughly 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

Maribyrnong's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 60% of Maribyrnong's total population (8,362 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Maribyrnong, affecting 7.1% and 6.8% of residents respectively. 76.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,899 people), which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors in Maribyrnong 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 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, accounting for 44.1% of people. Buddhism comprises 10.5%, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 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 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 (22.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 2.9% to 4.0%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 8.7% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Maribyrnong's age profile will change significantly. The cohort aged 55-64 is projected to grow by 60%, adding 869 residents and reaching a total of 2,324.