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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ringwood's population is around 19,891 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,176 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,715 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,642 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 246 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,007 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ringwood's 6.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 90.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 4,835 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 23.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Ringwood has seen around 98 new homes approved each year, with 493 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 152 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $385,000. Additionally, $221.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has slightly more development (17.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. New building activity shows 35.0% detached houses and 65.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 77.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting 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 indicate Ringwood will gain 4,577 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 52 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include AC Hotel by Marriott - East End Ringwood, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital (Maroondah Hospital Redevelopment), Dux Churchill, Ringwood, and The Ring Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 6.2%, and 1.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,484 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.4% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 33.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care and social assistance, professional and technical services, and retail trade. Conversely, transport, postal and warehousing shows lower representation at 3.2% versus the regional average of 5.2%. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while the labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ringwood. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ringwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Ringwood SA2 is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $58,491 while the average income stands at $75,290. This contrasts to Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,317 (median) and $81,501 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Ringwood, between the 45th and 53rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 32.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,424 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Ringwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.0% houses and 23.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Ringwood was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 27.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Ringwood's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding 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 dominate at 65.8% of all households, comprising 29.2% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people 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

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (37.3% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and that of the SA4 region (31.2%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (17.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 117 active transport stops operating within Ringwood, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 7,787 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 186 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 33.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,112 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~11,258 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.7% and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 70.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population 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, though they rank lower nationally than 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 36.6% of its population born overseas and 32.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Ringwood is Christianity, which makes up 43.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.2% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ringwood are English, comprising 22.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.0% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Sri Lankan is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Ringwood (vs 0.8% regionally), Chinese at 11.4% (vs 6.5%) and Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.8%).

Ringwood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Ringwood is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Ringwood has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (9.3%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (10.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.3% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 16.6% to 14.9% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 6.2% to 5.1%. By 2041, Ringwood is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 34% (871 people), reaching 3,431 from 2,559. The 0 to 4 group displays more modest growth at 5%, adding only 50 residents.