Upwey - Tecoma

Upwey - Tecoma has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Upwey - Tecoma's population is around 9,880 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 103 people (1.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,777 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,862 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,111 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Upwey - Tecoma's 1.1% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 56.0% 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 256 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 347 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Upwey - Tecoma is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Upwey - Tecoma has averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 52 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $379,000. Additionally, $697,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Upwey - Tecoma has significantly less development activity (73.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 1403 people per dwelling approval, Upwey - Tecoma reflects a highly mature market.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Upwey - Tecoma should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Upwey - Tecoma has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Angliss Hospital Expansion, Six Senses Resort And Spa At Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, and Fairpark Reserve, with the below list 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.

Employment conditions in Upwey - Tecoma demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Upwey - Tecoma possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,755 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 33.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, finance & insurance employs just 2.5% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 4.9%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5% and labour force increased by 1.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. 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 Upwey - Tecoma. 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 Upwey - Tecoma's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Upwey - Tecoma SA2 is above the national average, with the median assessed at $58,557 while the average income stands at $71,506. This contrasts with 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 $63,388 (median) and $77,405 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Upwey - Tecoma cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 36.0% of locals (3,556 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Upwey - Tecoma, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.8% houses and 2.2% 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 Upwey - Tecoma was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 34.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (54.5%) or rented (11.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Upwey - Tecoma's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.8% of all households, comprising 39.4% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.2%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Upwey - Tecoma 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 (32.9% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA3 area average of 23.8%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (23.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 54 active transport stops operating within Upwey - Tecoma comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 2,317 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 267 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. A high 33.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 331 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Upwey-Tecoma demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~5,424 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 68.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,774 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Upwey - Tecoma ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Upwey - Tecoma was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Upwey - Tecoma is Christianity, which makes up 31.4% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Upwey - Tecoma are English, comprising 31.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 25.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, and Irish, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.9% of Upwey - Tecoma (vs 1.2% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.8%).

Upwey - Tecoma's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 41 years, Upwey - Tecoma's median age is significantly above the Greater Melbourne average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (13.6% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.9%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.4% to 5.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 8.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Upwey - Tecoma's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 43%, adding 242 residents to reach 812. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 cohorts.