Werribee - South

Werribee - South lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Werribee - South's population was around 18,004 as of February 2026, reflecting an increase of 1,194 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 17,937, with an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This resulted in a population density ratio of 157 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Werribee - South had a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors. 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, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate exceptional growth, placing Werribee - South in the top 10 percent of national areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 8,872 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 48.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Werribee - South among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Werribee - South has seen approximately 91 new homes approved annually on average over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. A total of 455 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 24 approved so far in FY26. On average, 6.4 new residents have arrived per dwelling constructed each year between FY21 and FY25.

This has resulted in supply lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new properties is $279,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, $179.2 million worth of approvals have been registered in FY26, suggesting strong momentum. However, Werribee - South records significantly lower building activity compared to Greater Melbourne, with 65.0% fewer approvals per person.

This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses (72.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 28.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are an estimated 440 people per dwelling approval in the area, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Werribee - South is expected to grow by 8,805 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Werribee - South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

A total of 52 infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Grange Estate, East Werribee Precinct, and Werribee City Centre Structure Plan 2040. The following list details those considered 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.

The employment landscape in Werribee - South shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Werribee - South has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.4% over the past year as of September 2025. There are 9,926 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.0%. According to Census responses, 28.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.7 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. There are 0.8 workers per resident, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 5.4%, while labour force grew by 5.3%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Werribee - South's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Werribee - South SA2 has lower median and average incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $52,530 while the average stands at $63,038. In contrast, Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Werribee - South as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,864 (median) and $68,239 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Werribee - South cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.4% of locals (6,193 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% fall within this range. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income in Werribee - South, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 54th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Werribee - South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.2% houses and 19.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Werribee - South was at 29.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.7%) or rented (35.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $351, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Werribee - South's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.9% of all households, including 34.6% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Educational qualifications in Werribee show that 29.9% of residents aged 15 and over hold university degrees, compared to the SA3 area's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (19.8%). Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (10.1%), secondary (7.8%), and tertiary (5.0%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.0% 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 that as of 2021 Census data, there are 78 active transport stops operating within Werribee - South. These stops service a mix of bus routes totalling six individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide a total of 2,048 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 322 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains car at 86%, while train usage stands at 7%.

On average, vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling in Werribee - South. Notably, 28.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions during the time of the census. Service frequency averages 292 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Werribee - South is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Werribee - South. AreaSearch's assessment shows elevated mortality rates and high prevalence of chronic conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 50% (around 9,074 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (7.6%) and arthritis (7%), with 72.2% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65 residents show better health outcomes than the national average. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,756 people), with senior health outcomes broadly in line with national rankings.

Werribee - South 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-South has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.0% of its population born overseas and 35.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Werribee-South is Christianity, accounting for 52.0% of the population. However, Hinduism is significantly overrepresented, comprising 8.5% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (18.2%), Australian (17.5%), and Other (14.5%). Notably, Italian (10.2%) and Indian (6.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 5.2% and 4.2%, respectively. Maltese ethnicity is also slightly overrepresented at 1.8%.

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

The median age of Werribee-South is 37 years, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 is strongly represented at 17.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent in Werribee-South at 13.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 45-54 age group has grown from 12.0% to 13.0%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 16.1% to 17.1%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 15.6% to 13.3%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Werribee-South's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 69%, adding 1,627 people and reaching a total of 3,975 from its current figure of 2,347.