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 was around 19,822 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,107 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,715 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,633 in June 2024 and an additional 240 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,000 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ringwood's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.0%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. The population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilizes VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 and makes adjustments 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 demographic trends, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of statistical areas nationwide, with Ringwood expected to grow by 4,835 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 23.4% in total 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 FY21 to FY25, around 493 homes were approved, with an additional 142 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.5 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

This balance between supply and demand has created stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new properties is around $385,000. In terms of commercial development, approximately $221.4 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Comparatively, Ringwood has seen slightly more development than the Greater Melbourne average over the past five years, with 17.0% more development per person. This balance supports both buyer choice and current property values.

The new building activity shows a mix of 35.0% detached houses and 65.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This is a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 77.0% houses. Ringwood has a low density characteristic, with around 303 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ringwood is forecasted to gain approximately 4,646 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting property price increases.

Ringwood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 53 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include AC Hotel by Marriott - East End Ringwood, Ringwood Residences, Dux Churchill in Ringwood, and The Ring Development. Below is a list of 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.

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

Ringwood has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%.

As of September 2025, there are 10,482 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 6.8%, which is 1.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. The workforce participation rate in Ringwood is equal to Greater Melbourne's at 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

However, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 5.2%. There were substantial local employment opportunities with a ratio of 0.9 workers per resident as recorded in the Census. 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 contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will 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 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows that Ringwood SA2 has a high national median income of $54,571 and an average income of $72,909. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Ringwood SA2 would be approximately $61,207 (median) and $81,775 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Ringwood SA2 rank modestly, between the 45th and 53rd percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 32.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,402 residents), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ringwood SA2, 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 dwelling structure, 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 87.2% houses and 12.8% 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 in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $385 respectively. Nationally, Ringwood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents 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 constitute the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 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 university qualification rate of 37.3%, among residents aged 15+, exceeds 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+, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (17.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents 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 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 25 different routes, collectively handling 10,641 weekly passenger trips. Residential accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents typically located 186 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,520 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 90 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ringwood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Ringwood's health data shows relatively positive outcomes for its residents.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~11,100 people) of Ringwood's total population have private health cover, which is very high. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.7% and 7.2% of residents respectively. About 70.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.7% across Greater Melbourne. Ringwood has 17.9% (3,540 people) of its population aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 19.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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 has a high level of 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, making up 43.3% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is more prevalent in Ringwood at 4.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.8%), Australian (20.0%), and Other (12.0%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Sri Lankan is higher at 0.7% in Ringwood versus 0.5% regionally, Chinese at 11.4% compared to 6.0%, and Polish at 1.0% versus 0.7%.

Ringwood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Ringwood is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has a higher concentration of 35-44 year-olds (16.7%) but fewer 15-24 year-olds (10.9%). From the 2021 Census onwards, the 25-34 age group has declined from 16.6% to 15.5%. By 2041, Ringwood is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading these changes, the 45-54 age group will grow by 36%, adding 901 people and reaching a total of 3,431 from the previous figure of 2,529. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 3%, with an increase of only 28 residents.