Werribee - East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Werribee - East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Werribee - East's population is around 19,207 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 197 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,010 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,205 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 89 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,475 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 84.2% 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, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to expand by 3,199 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 16.6% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Werribee - East, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Werribee - East has received approximately 46 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 232 homes from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 2026, 32 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. Despite a decline in population during this period, the development activity has been relatively adequate, which is beneficial for buyers as new homes are being constructed at an average cost of $271,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. Additionally, commercial approvals valued at $16.7 million have been registered in the current financial year, indicating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee - East has significantly less development activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, with activity also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a notable shift from the existing housing composition of 84.0% houses. With approximately 561 people per dwelling approval, Werribee - East reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 3,197 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Future projections show Werribee - East adding 3,197 residents by 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.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Ison Road Project, Riverwalk Werribee, Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, and West Tarneit Station. 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.

Employment drivers in Werribee - East are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Werribee - East has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 11.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%. As of December 2025, 9,088 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 7.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 65.0%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Home workership stood at 19.6% based on Census responses. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area had a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (2.1 times the regional level), but professional & technical services employed only 5.6%, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Employment levels increased by 2.1% and labour force by 4.3% during the year to December 2025, raising unemployment by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying by industry sector. Applying these projections to Werribee - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Werribee - East SA2 has a median income of $59,270 and an average income of $71,126. This is higher than the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Werribee - East as of March 2026 would be approximately $64,972 (median) and $77,968 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Werribee - East fall between the 17th and 25th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 32.5% of the community (6,242 individuals), similar to the broader area's 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Werribee - East, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.

Werribee - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Werribee - East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.5% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Werribee - East was at 28.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (37.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $315, lower than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Werribee - East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Werribee - East has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.3% of all households, including 31.0% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational attainment in Werribee - East aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.1%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 23.7%. Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.6% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis for Werribee - East shows 106 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 15 different routes that collectively facilitate 6,902 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 177 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using their cars at a rate of 85%, while 9% use trains for their travels. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Werribee - East. According to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, approximately 19.6% of residents work from home.

Service frequency averages 986 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 65 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Werribee - East is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Werribee - East faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A wide range of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups in the area.

Private health cover is relatively high at approximately 54% of the total population (~10,390 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.1 and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.4%, with 3,332 people falling into this age group, compared to 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Werribee-East has a high cultural diversity, with 38.6% of its population born overseas and 36.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Werribee-East, accounting for 48.9% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, comprising 3.1% compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (20.2%), English (19.9%), and Other (19.5%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maltese at 1.9% (compared to 1.1% regionally), Serbian at 0.7% (compared to 0.4%), and Maori at 1.2% (compared to 0.3%).

Werribee - East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At age 36, Werribee - East's median age is nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee - East has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (12.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (13.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 65 to 74 has grown from 8.4% to 9.8%, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.9% to 11.3% and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Werribee - East's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 65 to 74 cohort (40%), adding 748 residents to reach a total of 2,625. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 51% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group is projected to decline by 54 people.