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

As of Feb 2026, Werribee - East's population is approximately 19,277, reflecting an increase of 267 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 1.4% rise from the previous population count of 19,010. The change was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 19,124 in June 2024, along with 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,484 persons per square kilometer, placing Werribee - East in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to reach SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for Werribee - East. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 3,239 persons based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 16.0% over the 17-year period.

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 seen approximately 46 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 232 homes. As of FY26, 34 approvals have been recorded. Despite a population decline during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers with new homes averaging $271,000, below regional norms. This year, $16.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee - East has significantly less development activity, 85.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's predominantly housed-based housing stock (currently 84.0%). With around 561 people per dwelling approval, Werribee - East reflects a highly mature market. Future projections estimate an addition of 3,086 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and price increases if current development rates persist.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include Ison Road Project, Riverwalk Werribee, Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, and West Tarneit Station. The following list details those expected to have the 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 has a diverse workforce with an unemployment rate of 11.4% as of September 2025. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. The area experienced employment growth of 4.1% in the past year.

There are 9,146 residents currently employed. Workforce participation in Werribee - East lags behind Greater Melbourne at 65.4%, compared to 71.0%. Home-based work is moderate at 19.6%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing.

The area has a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (2.1 times the regional level). However, professional & technical employment is lower than Greater Melbourne at 5.6% compared to 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 5.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Werribee - East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2023 shows Werribee - East SA2 has higher than average national incomes. The median income is $59,270 and the average is $71,126. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for Werribee - East are approximately $64,160 (median) and $76,994 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, 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 (6,265 individuals), similar to broader trends showing 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

In Werribee - East, as per the latest Census, 84.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Werribee - East stood at 28.4%, lower than Melbourne metro's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (37.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000 and national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Werribee - East was $315, lower than Melbourne metro's $390 and national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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, which matches 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%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (23.7%). Educational participation is high at 31.6%, including primary education (10.6%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (4.5%).

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

Werribee - East has 106 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes, together providing 6,902 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 85%, while 9% use trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 986 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per 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 variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% of Werribee - East's total population (~10,428 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.1% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Around 67.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. 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 inline 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 predominant religion in Werribee-East, accounting for 48.9% of the population. Notably, the percentage of people identifying as 'Other' (3.1%) is higher compared to Greater Melbourne's average (2.3%).

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (20.2%), English (19.9%), and Other (19.5%). However, there are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maltese (1.9% vs regional 1.1%), Serbian (0.7% vs regional 0.4%), and Maori (1.2% vs regional 0.3%) are overrepresented in Werribee-East.

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

At 36 years old, Werribee - East's median age is nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37. It is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Werribee - East has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (12.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (13.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 65 to 74 has grown from 8.4% to 10.1%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the population aged 5 to 14 has declined from 12.9% to 11.5%, and those aged 45 to 54 dropped from 12.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Werribee - East's age profile will evolve significantly. The 65 to 74 cohort is projected to grow by 39%, adding 751 residents to reach 2,695. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 53% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort is projected to decline by 72 people.