Williamstown

Williamstown has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Williamstown's population is around 18,138 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,226 people (14.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,912 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,920 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 585 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,467 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Williamstown's 14.0% 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 overseas migration, which contributed approximately 90.5% 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 relative to national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,998 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Williamstown according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Williamstown has seen around 102 new homes approved each year, with 513 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.2 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $416,000. Additionally, $21.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Williamstown shows approximately 67% of the construction activity per person and ranks within the 29th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New building activity consists of 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 54.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 586 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Population forecasts indicate Williamstown will gain 1,780 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Williamstown has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Workshops Pier Repairs Project, the Williamstown Mechanics Institute Masterplan and Restoration, the Williamstown Foreshore Precinct Upgrade, and the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club Redevelopment, 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Williamstown performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Williamstown possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 4.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,288 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 47.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.5% employment compared to 14.2% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 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 Williamstown. 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 Williamstown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Williamstown SA2's median income among taxpayers is $71,811, with an average of $105,258. This is exceptionally high nationally, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $77,735 (median) and $113,942 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Williamstown, between the 85th and 87th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 30.1% of locals (5,459 people) in the $4000+ category, diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.8%. Economic strength emerges through 41.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 88th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Williamstown displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Williamstown, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 54.5% houses and 45.5% 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 Williamstown was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 39.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (26.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Williamstown's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Williamstown has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.7% of all households, comprising 35.8% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Williamstown shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Williamstown significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.0% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational pathways account for 24.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (13.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 73 active transport stops operating within Williamstown, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 4,770 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 10% by train and 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A high 47.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 681 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

Williamstown's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Williamstown, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (13,258 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.5% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 71.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,981 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Williamstown was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Williamstown was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.7% of its population born overseas and 15.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Williamstown is Christianity, which makes up 47.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Williamstown are English, comprising 26.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 21.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Williamstown (vs 0.7% regionally), Maltese at 1.9% (vs 1.1%) and Macedonian at 1.0% (vs 0.7%).

Williamstown hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The 45-year median age in Williamstown is significantly above Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Williamstown has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (15.8%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.4%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.1% to 7.6% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 16.6% to 15.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Williamstown's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 48% (668 people), reaching 2,054 from 1,385. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 70% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups will see reduced numbers.