Maribyrnong
Statistical Area - sa2

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 13,799 as of August 2025. This represented an increase of 1,226 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,573. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. This resulted in a population density of 2,513 persons per square kilometer, placing Maribyrnong in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. Maribyrnong's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Maribyrnong is projected to increase by 4,582 persons, representing a total growth of 33.3% 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 annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 530 homes approved over the past five years from FY21 to FY25 and one approval so far in FY26. This averages out to about 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during these five years. The supply of dwellings appears well-matched with demand, indicating stable market dynamics, while the average construction cost value is around $514,000.

In terms of commercial development, approximately $38.7 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, 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 for development activity, which has increased recently. The current new development consists of 6.0% detached dwellings and 94.0% medium and high-density housing, 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. Maribyrnong reflects a transitioning market with around 275 people per approval.

Population forecasts indicate Maribyrnong will gain approximately 4,601 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing, 191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development, Highpoint Urban Village, and White St. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Maribyrnong has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.6%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 5.7%. As of June 2025, 9,475 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 71.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%, and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional 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 residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, labour force grew by 5.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year to September 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maribyrnong's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 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 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Maribyrnong would be approximately $66,350 (median) and $91,192 (average) as of March 2025. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Maribyrnong cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 35.2% of locals (4,857 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income in Maribyrnong, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th 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

In Maribyrnong, as per the latest Census evaluation, houses comprised 33.7% of dwellings, with other types such as semi-detached and apartments making up 66.3%. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 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, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Maribyrnong was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $376. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Maribyrnong's residents aged 15 and above have a notably higher proportion with university qualifications, at 44.4%, compared to the broader national figure of 30.4% and the SA4 region average of 32.0%. The area has a significant educational advantage, led by bachelor degrees at 29.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational pathways account for 23.6% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 12.7%. Educational participation is high in Maribyrnong, 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. The three schools in Maribyrnong have a combined enrollment of 1,781 students as of the latest available data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1087. Educational provision is conventional and split between one primary and two secondary institutions.

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

Analysis shows 79 active transport stops operating in Maribyrnong. These include lightrail and bus stops served by 9 routes offering 9,171 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 210 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,310 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 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

Maribyrnong shows excellent health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 61%, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and 55.3% nationally (2021 data). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.1% and 6.8% respectively.

76.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.7% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (aged 65+), at 13.3%, than Greater Melbourne's 11.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among Maribyrnong seniors align with the overall population's 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 high 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, with 44.1%. However, Buddhism is overrepresented at 10.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 8.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other at 13.8%, English at 13.4%, and Chinese at 12.7%, which is higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Notably, Vietnamese are overrepresented at 11.8% (vs 8.9%), Croatian at 1.4% (vs 1.0%), and Serbian at 0.9% (vs 0.6%).

Maribyrnong's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Maribyrnong's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and modestly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Maribyrnong has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (21.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.0%). This concentration of 25-34-year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 12.6% to 13.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has declined from 8.7% to 7.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Maribyrnong's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 55-64 cohort, which is expected to increase by 66%, adding 962 residents to reach a total of 2,414.