Drysdale (Vic.)

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Drawing on ABS population statistics for the surrounding region alongside post-Census address verification by Districts, the suburb of Drysdale has a projected population of approximately 6,509 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,533 residents (30.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,976 people. This shift is calculated from an Districts estimated resident population of 6,495, which incorporates the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 142 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Consequently, the suburb of Drysdale has a density of 171 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and potential capacity for future expansion. The suburb of Drysdale's expansion rate of 30.8% outpaced the Rest of Vic. (4.3%) and its broader SA4 region, positioning it as a local growth hotspot. This population rise was chiefly powered by interstate migration, accounting for roughly 74.0% of the expansion, though natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

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The local workforce is characterized by a strong skills base, particularly in essential service industries. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, and jobs grew by an estimated 5.5% over the past year. By March 2026, 3,214 residents were employed. The unemployment rate matches the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, while the labor force participation rate aligns with the Regional Vic. level of 61.1%. Census records show a moderate 19.6% of workers operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Tax data from the ATO for the financial year 2023 indicates that local incomes are below the national median. Taxpayers recorded a median income of $45,102 and an average income of $58,276, compared to $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of $49,441 for median and $63,882 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in the 18th percentile nationally. The most common income range is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 26.5% of residents (1,724 people), which is close to the 30.3% observed regionally. Residents retain 85.3% of their income after paying for housing, which ranks in the th percentile nationally, and the local SEIFA index for income sits in the th decile.

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At the time of the latest Census, residential stock consisted of 88.7% stand-alone houses and 11.3% alternative dwellings like semi-detached homes or apartments, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic. Fully owned homes represented 50.5% of properties, exceeding the Regional Vic. average, while 32.6% of homes were mortgaged and 16.8% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was notably higher than the Regional Vic. median of $1,430. Similarly, the median weekly rent was $340, compared to $285 regionally. Nationally, local mortgage costs sit below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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Families represent the primary household type at 70.4%, consisting of couples with children at 26.1%, couples without children at 34.6%, and single parents at 8.7%. Single-person households make up 27.9% of the area, and group households account for 1.6%, bringing total non-family households to 29.6%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in the area presents some challenges, as university qualification rates stand at 21.6%, well below the state average of 33.4%. Among those with degrees, bachelor degrees are most common at 14.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.8% and postgraduate degrees at 3.7%. Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 27.2%.

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Analysis of local transit infrastructure shows 29 active stops servicing the area. These stops accommodate 8 separate routes, which run a combined total of 545 passenger trips each week. Transit access is good, with residents living an average of 360 meters from their nearest stop. Because this is a commuter suburb, most residents travel outside the area for work, and private vehicles remain the primary transit mode at 94%. Households own an average of 1.5 cars. Additionally, 19.6% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Health outcomes in the area are lower than average, based on mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across multiple age groups. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 50% of residents (~3,249 people), compared to the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The area has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to broader benchmarks, with 84.7% of residents born in Australia, 92.2% holding citizenship, and 96.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 55.4% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.

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The local median age of 51 years is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 16.0% locally, compared to the regional average, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 8.0%. The local concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is also higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 9.2% to 11.3%, whereas the 55 to 64 group fell from 14.1% to 12.9% and the 65 to group declined from to . By demographic shifts are expected to result in an increase in the to cohort ( people), growing from to .

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Drysdale currently has an estimated 273 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 216 children aged 0-2 and 143 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 62% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 94% by 2041 (to approximately 530 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 591. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.