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 is approximately 13,785 as of Nov 2025. This represents an increase of 1,212 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,573. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,818 in June 2024 and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,510 persons per square kilometer, placing Maribyrnong in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.9%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 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 the latest annual ERP population numbers, Maribyrnong is forecasted to increase by 4,582 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 33.5% over the 17-year period.

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 FY25530 homes were approved, with a further 85 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 1.1 new residents arrive per new home each year over these five years.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market dynamics. The average value of new dwellings developed is $472,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $38.7 million have been registered, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong records about 68% of building activity per person and ranks among the 93rd percentile nationally in terms of development activity. Recent periods have seen an increase in development activity.

The current new development composition is 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, as well as housing affordability needs. Maribyrnong reflects a transitioning market with around 275 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Maribyrnong will gain approximately 4,615 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely impacting this area. Key projects include Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing, 191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development, White St, and Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation. The following details those 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 strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.7%. As of that date, 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 higher at 71.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Finance & insurance is particularly strong, 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 Maribyrnong residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, labour force by 5.9%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections. Applying these projections to Maribyrnong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by similar rates over the respective timeframes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Maribyrnong SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,258 and an average level of $82,819. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Maribyrnong would be approximately $67,585 (median) and $92,890 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Maribyrnong cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 35.2% of locals (4,852 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which also represents 32.8% regionally. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income in Maribyrnong, with disposable income at the 67th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Maribyrnong displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Maribyrnong's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 33.7% houses and 66.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 49.7% houses and 50.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maribyrnong stood at 26.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented ones at 38.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Maribyrnong was $396, higher than Melbourne metro's figure of $376. Nationally, Maribyrnong's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also above the national figure of $375.

Maribyrnong features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical 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 constitute 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 aligns with Greater Melbourne's average.

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

Maribyrnong's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 44.4% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. This gives Maribyrnong a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities. 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 among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 12.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary (8.9%), secondary (6.4%), and primary (6.2%) education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Maribyrnong shows that there are currently 79 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of light rail and bus services. The routes servicing these stops total nine, collectively facilitating 9,171 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 210 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 1,310 trips per day, which equates to around 116 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 shows excellent results across Maribyrnong, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (8,450 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.1 and 6.8% of residents respectively, while 76.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The area has 13.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,836 people), higher than the 11.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 predominant religion in Maribyrnong, comprising 44.1% of people. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 10.5% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 8.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (13.8%), English (13.4%), and Chinese (12.7%), which is higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Vietnamese, Croatian, and Serbian ethnicities are also notably overrepresented in Maribyrnong compared to the regional averages.

Maribyrnong's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Maribyrnong has a median age of 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.0%). This 25-34 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 12.6% to 13.7%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 8.7% to 7.0%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Maribyrnong's age profile by 2041, with the strongest growth expected in the 55-64 cohort, projected to increase by 66%, adding 963 residents and reaching a total of 2,414.