Ringwood

Population growth drivers in Ringwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ringwood's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 19,891. This figure represents an increase of 1,176 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,715. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,642 in June 2024 and an additional 246 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,007 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ringwood's growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.9%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them 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. By 2041, the area is forecasted to grow by 4,835 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 23.0% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Ringwood when compared nationally

Ringwood has seen approximately 98 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 493 homes were approved, with an additional 144 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.5 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

This balance between supply and demand has maintained stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $385,000. In terms of commercial development, $221.4 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating high levels of local activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has slightly more development, with 17.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balance supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values. Recent building activity shows a shift towards compact living, with 35.0% detached houses and 65.0% medium to high-density housing.

This trend offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 77.0% houses. This shift may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 303 people per dwelling approval, Ringwood shows characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts suggest that Ringwood will gain approximately 4,577 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ringwood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 52 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones are AC Hotel by Marriott - East End Ringwood, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital (Maroondah Hospital Redevelopment), Dux Churchill, Ringwood, and The Ring Development. Relevant projects are listed below.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Ringwood recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Ringwood has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of September 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 1.2% over the past year.

As of that date, 10,482 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.8%, which is 2.1 percentage points higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was lower in Ringwood at 67.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 33.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing showed lower representation at 3.2%, compared to the regional average of 5.2%. There was a ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident as per the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force grew by 0.9%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ringwood's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Ringwood SA2 has a high national median income of $58,491 and an average income of $75,290. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ringwood are approximately $63,317 (median) and $81,501 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Ringwood rank modestly between the 45th and 53rd percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 32.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,424 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ringwood, with only 81.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Ringwood's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.0% houses and 23.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ringwood was at 27.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 39.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Ringwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Ringwood exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 65.8% of all households, including 29.2% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households making up 4.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 37.3%, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 31.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 29.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 17.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ringwood has 117 operational public transport stops, all for buses. These are served by 24 routes offering a total of 7,787 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically living 186 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Ringwood's residential nature. Cars dominate commuting at 81%, while trains account for 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

In 2021 Census data (possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions), 33.9% of residents work from home. Daily service frequency averages 1,112 trips across all routes, equating to around 66 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to Ringwood's location centrepoint.

Ringwood's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Ringwood's health metrics are close to national benchmarks as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among Ringwood residents is somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Private health cover is very high in Ringwood, with approximately 57% of the total population (~11,258 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.7 and 7.2% of residents respectively. 70.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population in Ringwood demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,693 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those for the broader population.

Ringwood was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ringwood's population shows high cultural diversity, with 36.6% born overseas and 32.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ringwood, accounting for 43.3% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is equally represented in Ringwood (4.2%) as it is across Greater Melbourne (4.2%).

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.8%), Australian (20.0%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups have notable variations: Sri Lankan is slightly overrepresented at 0.7% in Ringwood compared to the regional figure of 0.8%, Chinese are significantly more represented at 11.4% versus 6.5%, and Polish are also somewhat overrepresented at 1.0% compared to the region's 0.8%.

Ringwood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Ringwood is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (9.3% vs 8.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.9% vs 13.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Ringwood's population aged 65-74 grew from 8.4% to 9.3%, while the percentage of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 16.6% to 14.9%. The proportion of children aged 0-4 also dropped from 6.2% to 5.1%. By 2041, Ringwood's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 34%, adding 871 people and reaching a total of 3,431. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group will experience more modest growth of 5%, with an increase of just 50 residents.