Ringwood
Statistical Area - sa2

Ringwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ringwood's population is 19,822 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 1,107 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,715. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: Ringwood had an estimated resident population of 19,633 in June 2024 and 240 new addresses were validated after the Census date. This results in a population density of approximately 2,000 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ringwood's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 Census exceeds both its SA4 region (4.0%) and SA3 area, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.8% 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. Based on the latest population numbers, Ringwood is forecasted to grow by 4,835 persons by 2041, recording a total gain of 23.4% over the 17-year period.

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, around 493 homes were approved, with an additional 135 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.5 people moved into the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This has resulted in a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is around $385,000. This financial year alone, commercial development approvals totaled $221.4 million, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has seen slightly more development, with 17.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balance between buyer choice and property value support is notable.

In terms of new building activity, 35.0% are detached houses, while 65.0% are medium to high-density housing. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry points, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 77.0% houses. Ringwood's population density is low, with around 303 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Ringwood's population is forecasted to grow by 4,646 residents. If current development rates continue, there may be a housing supply shortage that could intensify buyer competition and potentially drive up prices.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 53 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include AC Hotel by Marriott - East End Ringwood, Ringwood Residences, Dux Churchill in Ringwood, and Ringwood Activity Centre Car Park. The following list 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.

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

Ringwood has a well-educated workforce with professional services being notably represented. The unemployment rate was 5.4% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of June 2025, there are 10,454 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Ringwood is on par with Greater Melbourne at 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents include 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%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force increased by 0.7%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with an increase in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Ringwood. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ringwood's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Ringwood has high national incomes. The median is $54,571 and the average is $72,909. Greater Melbourne's figures are a median of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,207 (median) and $81,775 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Ringwood's household, family and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 45th and 53rd percentiles. The largest income segment is 32.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,402 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 81.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile. Ringwood'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, was 77.0% houses and 23.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ringwood stood 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 $385. Nationally, Ringwood's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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, which is 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

Ringwood's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 37.3% of residents aged 15+, 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 also prominent, with 29.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.2% and certificates for 17.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.5% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. Ringwood operates a network of 10 schools educating approximately 7,017 students and demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1069). The educational mix includes 3 primary, 6 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 35.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 stops are served by 25 routes, which together facilitate 10,641 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 186 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is high, with 1,520 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 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 residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, but higher than national averages for older at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is very high, at approximately 56% (around 11,100 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.7% and arthritis impacting 7.2% of residents. About 70.4% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 68.7% in Greater Melbourne. As of the latest data (2016), Ringwood has 17.9% of its population aged 65 and over (3,540 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 19.0%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

Ringwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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%. Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 4.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (22.8%), Australian (20.0%), and Other (12.0%). Significant disparities exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Chinese (11.4% vs regional 6.0%), Sri Lankan (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Polish (1.0% vs 0.7%).

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 35-44 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 16.6% to 15.5%. By 2041, Ringwood's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 36%, adding 901 people and reaching a total of 3,431 from the current 2,529. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow by 3%, with an increase of 28 residents.