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 19,277 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 267 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,010 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,124 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,484 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, which contributed approximately 87.6% 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 utilizing 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 analyzed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to expand by 3,239 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.0% in total over the 17 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 experienced around 46 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 232 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $271,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $16.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Werribee - East has significantly less development activity (85.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 84.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 561 people per dwelling approval, Werribee - East reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show Werribee - East adding 3,086 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Ison Road Project, Riverwalk Werribee, the Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, and West Tarneit Station, 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.

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

Werribee - East possesses a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 11.9%, and 2.1% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,088 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 7.1% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.6% 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, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area has a particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 5.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1% and the labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Werribee - East. 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 Werribee - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% 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's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Werribee - East SA2 is higher than average nationally, with the median assessed at $59,270 while the average income stands at $71,126. 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 $64,160 (median) and $76,994 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Werribee - East all fall between the 17th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.5% of the community (6,265 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the area showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Werribee - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.5% houses and 15.4% 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 Werribee - East slightly lagged that of Melbourne metro, at 28.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (37.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $315, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Werribee - East's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.3% of all households, comprising 31.0% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (21.1%) substantially below the SA3 area average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (23.7%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 106 active transport stops operating within Werribee - East, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 15 individual routes, collectively providing 6,902 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 9% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. Some 19.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 986 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Werribee - East, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~10,428 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,448 people), which is higher than the 15.1% 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 38.6% of its population born overseas and 36.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Werribee - East is Christianity, which makes up 48.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 3.1% of the population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Werribee - East are Australian, comprising 20.2% of the population, English, comprising 19.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 19.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Werribee - East (vs 1.1% regionally), Serbian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%) and Maori at 1.2% (vs 0.3%).

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

At 36 years, Werribee - East's median age is nearly matching the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Werribee - East has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (12.5%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (13.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.1% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.3% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Werribee - East's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 39%, adding 751 residents to reach 2,695. Senior residents (65+) will drive 53% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 5 to 14 cohort is projected to decline by 72 people.