Morwell
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Morwell reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Morwell's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 14,693, reflecting a growth of 261 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 14,432. This increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 14,528 as of June 2024 and an additional 162 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 171 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by the ABS data.

Future projections indicate an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Morwell expected to increase by 2,334 persons to 2041, a total increase of 14.8% over 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Morwell according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Morwell has recorded approximately 46 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 230 dwellings approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and an additional 2 recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 1.5 new residents are added per year per dwelling constructed during these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $361,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers.

This financial year has seen $83.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Morwell shows approximately 59% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 26th percentile nationally, indicating limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This lower activity reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 635 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections indicate Morwell adding approximately 2,167 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Morwell has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include ICON Morwell Innovation Business Park, The Range Estate Morwell, Gippsland Line Upgrade, and Tramway Road Battery Energy Storage System. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Morwell face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Morwell's workforce comprises an even mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 14.5%.

There are 5,075 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 10.8% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Morwell is significantly lower at 44.4%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries employing residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Retail trade stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 2.4% employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. As per the Census, there are 0.7 workers for each resident, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Morwell's labour force decreased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 2.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.26%, and the unemployment rate was 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Morwell's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Morwell's median taxpayer income was $44,406 and average income was $55,209 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693. As of March 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth indicate a median income of approximately $48,895 and an average income of $60,791 in Morwell. The 2021 Census figures show that household, family, and personal incomes in Morwell all fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 31.6% of Morwell's population (4,642 individuals) fall within the $400 - $799 income range, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (43.0% under $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of Morwell. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at only the 4th percentile nationally.

Morwell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Morwell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.0% houses and 14.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 88.1% houses and 11.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Morwell stood at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 35.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $953, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,213, and the median weekly rent figure was $215, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $237. Nationally, Morwell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Morwell features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 59.2% of all households, including 18.6% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.8%, with lone person households making up 37.7% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Morwell faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 32.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.1% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education. Morwell has a network of 7 schools educating approximately 2,304 students, comprising 4 primary and 3 secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

Morwell has 107 active public transport stops, served by a mix of trains and buses. These stops are covered by 19 routes, offering a total of 2,111 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 202 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 301 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Morwell is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Morwell faces significant health challenges across various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~6,993 people) have private health cover, lower than the Victorian average of 50.2%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions in Morwell, affecting 12.2% and 11.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 55.0% reported no medical ailments, compared to 60.1% across Victoria. The proportion of seniors aged 65 and over is higher at 22.6% (3,317 people) than the Victorian average of 21.2%. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Morwell records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Morwell's cultural diversity aligns with the wider region, with 83.3% citizens, 81.8% born in Australia, and 88.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 44.4%. Islam is overrepresented at 2.4%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups are English (29.9%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (7.6%). Dutch (2.3%) and Maltese (1.9%) are notably overrepresented, while Italian (5.5%) is also higher than the regional average of 3.4%.

Morwell hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

In 2021, Morwell's median age was 42 years, similar to the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43, but considerably older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile showed that individuals aged 25-34 were particularly prominent, comprising 13.7% of the population, while those aged 35-44 made up a smaller proportion at 10.8%. Between January 2021 and July 2021, the percentage of Morwell's population aged 25 to 34 increased from 12.3% to 13.7%, while the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Morwell, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 47%, adding 952 residents to reach a total of 2,961. Conversely, numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to fall by 14%.