Rowville - Central
Statistical Area - sa2

Rowville - Central is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Rowville - Central's population was approximately 16,089 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 671 people, a 4.4% rise from the 2021 Census count of 15,418 individuals. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 15,779 in June 2024 and an additional 173 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,962 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Rowville - Central's growth rate of 4.4% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA4 region (4.0%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 78.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting via 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. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of statistical areas nationwide. Rowville - Central is projected to grow by 922 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 3.5% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Rowville - Central recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Rowville - Central has seen approximately 73 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 369 homes were approved, with an additional 47 approved in FY26 so far. The population has declined recently, indicating that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $433,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. This financial year, $14.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Rowville - Central has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. In terms of new building activity, 63.0% are detached houses and 37.0% are medium and high-density housing, offering a broader range of medium-density options across different price brackets.

This shift represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 92.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting evolving lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 186 people per dwelling approval, Rowville - Central exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate that Rowville - Central will gain approximately 564 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand readily, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Rowville - Central has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Bankside Rowville, The Rowville Plan, Keyton Waterford Valley Lakes, and Rowville Mixed Use Development. Relevant details follow.

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 places Rowville - Central well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Rowville - Central has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year.

In June 2025, 9,002 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was 67.1%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade showing particularly strong specialization at 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 8.1% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew 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 an increase in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rowville - Central's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Rowville - Central has a median income of $55,155 and an average income of $66,800. This is slightly above the national averages of $54,892 (median) and $73,761 (average) for Greater Melbourne. By September 2025, with a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, median income in Rowville - Central is estimated to be approximately $61,862 and average income $74,923. Census 2021 data indicates incomes in Rowville - Central cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.2% of residents (5,663 individuals), similar to Melbourne's metropolitan region at 32.8%. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income, and residents rank within the 75th percentile for disposable income. Rowville - Central's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Rowville - Central is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Rowville - Central's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rowville - Central was higher at 37.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 19.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, matching Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $425 compared to Melbourne metro's $400. Nationally, Rowville - Central's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rowville - Central features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.3% of all households, including 42.9% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

The educational profile of Rowville - Central exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Rowville indicate that 31.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This difference suggests potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas accounting for 12.0% and certificates for 18.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education. Rowville Central has five schools with a combined enrollment of 3,208 students, serving distinct age groups with three primary and two secondary schools. The area functions as an educational hub, offering 20.0 school places per 100 residents – significantly higher than the regional average of 12.0 – and attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Rowville - Central has 75 active public transport stops operating, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 5,329 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 251 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 761 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Rowville - Central is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Rowville - Central demonstrates above-average health outcomes for both young and elderly populations.

Common health conditions have low prevalence in this area. Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of its total population of around 8,430 people, which leads the average SA2 area rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.5% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A majority of residents, 71.1%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher-than-average proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 19.0% or approximately 3,063 people falling into this age group. Health outcomes among seniors are generally good and align with the overall population's health profile.

Rowville - Central is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rowville-Central has a high level of cultural diversity, with 37.6% of its population born overseas and 34.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Rowville-Central is Christianity, comprising 48.2% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.1% versus 4.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.6%), Australian (19.0%), and Chinese (12.3%). Notably, Sri Lankan ethnicity is overrepresented at 1.9%, Hungarian at 0.6%, and Italian at 5.3%, compared to regional figures of 1.4%, 0.4%, and 3.7% respectively.

Rowville - Central's median age exceeds the national pattern

Rowville - Central's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Rowville - Central has a notably higher percentage of the 55-64 cohort (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the 65-74 age group increased from 9.6% to 11.3%, while the 55-64 cohort decreased from 15.7% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest Rowville - Central's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 56%, adding 495 residents to reach 1,380. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 77% of the total population growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups.