Werribee - West

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Werribee - West's population is around 33,021 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 10,680 people (47.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,341 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 30,608 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2,765 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 258 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Werribee - West's 47.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 75.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

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, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of statistical areas across the nation, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 32,473 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 90.9% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Werribee - West was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Werribee - West has experienced around 997 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 4,988 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26523 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 2.6 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $256,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Also, $200.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Werribee - West has 186.0% more building activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 35 people per dwelling approval, Werribee - West shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Werribee - West adding 30,004 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Werribee - West 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 37 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Cornerstone Estate, Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade, Wyndham Vale Retail Hub, and 160 & 290 Hobbs Road Residential Development, 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.

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

Werribee - West possesses a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 6.3%, and 3.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 17,398 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (79.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 25.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care and social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal and warehousing, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional and technical services have a limited presence with 6.7% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 3.6% alongside a labour force increase of 4.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Werribee - West. 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 - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Werribee - West SA2's income level is higher than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Werribee - West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $58,982 and the average income stands at $71,035, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,848 (median) and $76,895 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Werribee - West cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 41.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (13,538 residents), consistent with broader trends across the area showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 65th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Werribee - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Werribee - West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.5% houses and 9.5% 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 - West lagged that of Melbourne metro, at 19.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (30.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,842, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Werribee - West's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.2% of all households, comprising 40.2% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications in Werribee - West trail regional benchmarks, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in the SA3 area. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (23.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 94 active transport stops operating within Werribee - West, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 2,000 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 601 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 25.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 285 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Werribee - West is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Werribee - West demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~17,864 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.8% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 74.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 7.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,582 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Werribee - West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Werribee - West scores highly on cultural diversity, with 37.4% of its population born overseas and 34.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Werribee - West is Christianity, which makes up 43.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 4.5% 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 - West are English, comprising 20.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.0% of the population, and Other, comprising 16.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Indian is notably overrepresented at 7.7% of Werribee - West (vs 4.2% regionally), Maltese at 1.9% (vs 1.1%) and Maori at 1.2% (vs 0.3%).

Werribee - West hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 32 years, Werribee - West's median age is materially younger than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and also significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Werribee - West has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (20.1%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (2.1%). This 35 - 44 concentration is well above the national 14.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 16.7% to 20.1% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort increased from 13.8% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 20.8% to 18.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 8.9% to 7.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Werribee - West's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 79%, adding 5,250 residents to reach 11,891.