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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Melba has an estimated 3,429 residents, up from 3,383 at the 2021 Census — a change of 46 people, or 1.4%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years, slower than 84% of areas nationally. That puts 1,484 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count in Melba stands at approximately 3,429 as of Aug 2026. In comparison to the 2021 Census tally of 3,383 people, this represents an addition of 46 people (1.4%). This demographic shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population figure of 3,424 recorded as of June 2025 alongside 4 validated new addresses confirmed after the Census date. With 1,484 persons per square kilometer, the locality exhibits a population density that exceeds the typical benchmark across nationwide regions evaluated by AreaSearch. Furthermore, the 1.4% expansion recorded since the census trails the broader SA3 area (4.2%) by 2.8 percentage points, highlighting solid underlying demographic momentum.
Net overseas migration served as the principal driver of this expansion, accounting for roughly 68.3% of total population additions over recent timeframes. For each SA2 area, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia demographic projections published in 2024 utilizing 2022 as the base year. In instances where an SA2 area is omitted or for periods post-2032, cohort-level projections from the ACT Government with a 2022 baseline are applied. Under this projection model, the overall headcount across Melba is anticipated to contract by 294 persons by 2041. In contrast to the broader downward trend, specific age brackets are slated for expansion, most notably the 45 to 54 cohort, which is expected to gain 21 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential construction in Melba has remained modest, with approvals averaging roughly 3 new dwellings each year, totaling 17 homes over the previous 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Because approximately 6.8 people per year relocated to the suburb for each new residence constructed during the last 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), housing demand materially outpaces additions to stock, a dynamic that commonly fuels upward price momentum and intensifies buyer competition, while newly approved residences show an average construction value of $341,000. On the commercial front, building permits valued at $626,000 were logged during this financial year, reflecting subdued commercial development.
When evaluated against Australian Capital Territory, building pipeline volumes in Melba are substantially lower, sitting 84.0% below regional average per person. Such restrained housing delivery generally reinforces competition and valuations for existing real estate assets. This figure also falls short of national benchmarks, highlighting the established profile of the community as well as potential zoning or land constraints. In terms of composition, new residential approvals are divided between 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, delivering a diverse mix of medium-density and freestanding options spanning entry-level dwellings to generous family residences. The presence of roughly 2558 people per dwelling approval further underlines a highly mature residential setting. Given that the local populace is projected to contract or remain steady, easing demographic pressure on the housing market could unlock favorable purchasing opportunities across Melba.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Melba
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 21 current infrastructure and development projects close to Melba, worth an estimated $6.14 billion. 3 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure investments and urban planning initiatives play a decisive role in shaping local development and accessibility. AreaSearch has identified a single major infrastructure project expected to influence the district, alongside surrounding regional initiatives such as Ginninderry Masterplanned Community - Strathnairn & Macnamara, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+), Belconnen Lakeshore - Connected Waterfront Precinct, and New Northside Hospital.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Ethos Belconnen
Ethos is the second stage of Per Se Developments' Cirrus lakeside precinct at Belconnen. The project comprises 88 premium apartments with ground floor commercial tenancies overlooking Lake Ginninderra. Construction is well advanced with display apartments open and commercial space being marketed ahead of expected completion in 2026.
University of Canberra Sports Precinct
Major expansion of University of Canberra sports facilities, including the development of Sports Hub 2, new aquatic centre, indoor sports courts, outdoor playing fields, gymnasium upgrades, and athlete training facilities. It focuses on community access programs and elite athlete development.
West Belconnen Health Centre
Planned ACT Government community health centre for the growing West Belconnen and Ginninderry region. The facility is intended to provide integrated primary care, specialist outpatient services, allied health, mental health and community health services. As of 2026 the project remains in the planning phase with potential sites under review, land acquisition and concept design progressing ahead of future construction funding.
Belconnen Community Hub Upgrade
Comprehensive upgrade of existing community facilities including expanded library services, community meeting spaces, youth programs area, seniors center, and childcare facilities. Improved accessibility and technology integration throughout.
Belconnen Basketball Stadium Expansion
The ACT Government is progressing planning for the expansion and modernisation of the Belconnen Basketball Stadium. The project encompasses additional indoor multi-sport courts, upgraded spectator seating, enhanced accessibility features, and improved administrative and changeroom amenities to meet rising regional community demand. Works are managed under the ACT Government's community sports infrastructure investment program.
Belconnen Central by JW Land
A $520 million mixed-use town centre precinct comprising 550 for-sale apartments and 325 build-to-rent units across two towers (20 and 24 storeys) over a central podium with ground-floor commercial activation and basement parking. The all-electric precinct includes EV charging for each dwelling and improved pedestrian links between Emu Bank, Margaret Timpson Park and the Belconnen Bus Interchange. Site is bounded by Swanson Court, Chandler Street and the Cohen Street bus station.
Belconnen Town Centre Land Release Program
An ACT Government urban renewal initiative transforming the Belconnen Town Centre. The program includes the Lathlain Street precinct, Emu Inlet Waterfront, and the Circus Site. It features a mix of high-density residential units, commercial spaces, and the new 5-star Green Star Belconnen Urban Park. Key private developments by JWLand and others are integrating over 1,200 new dwellings to create a walkable 'modern village' linked to Lake Ginninderra.
JWLand Belconnen Lathlain Street Development
Mixed-use precinct at Belconnen Town Centre comprising 435 apartments across buildings of 12 to 18 storeys, a 144-room hotel, ground-floor retail, cafes, restaurants, and commercial office suites. The project sits within the Lathlain Eat Street precinct opposite Westfield Belconnen and adjoins an ACT Government urban park. A podium park and rooftop terrace gardens are planned, with 583 basement car spaces across four levels. A development application was lodged in early 2025.
1,670 residents of Melba are employed, from a labour force of 1,792. Unemployment sits at 6.8%, with participation at 65.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,775, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Melba features an educated workforce with considerable concentration in professional services, alongside a jobless rate of 6.8%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,670, while the local unemployment rate exceeds the Australian Capital Territory level of 4.1% by 2.8 percentage points, and the labour force participation rate of 65.5% trails the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 70.6%. In addition, Census records show that 14.3% of workers carried out their duties from home, an outcome that may reflect the broader influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The primary sectors supporting local workers are public administration & safety, education & training, together with professional & technical services. Melba exhibits a distinct specialization in education & training, capturing a sector share 1.3 times the wider regional proportion. Conversely, public administration & safety employs 25.9% of the local workforce, lagging the 30.4% recorded across Australian Capital Territory. As indicated by the balance between Census working population and resident counts, the predominantly residential nature of the suburb generates relatively few jobs within its own boundaries. An assessment by AreaSearch combining SALM and ABS figures reveals that over the 12-month period, the local labour force expanded by 1.1% while total employment slipped by 0.9%, resulting in a 2.0 percentage points increase in the jobless rate. By comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded a 0.3% rise in employment, a 1.1% expansion in the labour pool, and a 0.7 percentage points uptick in unemployment. To gauge future employment trajectory, five and ten-year national forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 have been applied to the local industry distribution. Nationwide employment is anticipated to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with variance across sectors. Applying these industry growth rates to Melba yields a projected employment gain of 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Melba is $2,326 a week (about $121,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,118 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $69,126 a year against an average of $76,284. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxation records released by the ATO at postcode resolution for financial year 2023 indicate that taxpayers within the Melba SA2 generate a median income of $69,126 and an average of $76,284. These figures sit well above nationwide averages, while trailing the Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Factoring in a 10.44% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $76,343 (median) and $84,248 (average) as of March 2026. Across personal, family, and household levels, 2021 Census statistics position Melba within the 84th and 86th percentiles nationally.
The largest earnings tier is the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, capturing 31.0% of residents (1,062 people), closely mirroring the 34.3% regional benchmark. Economic capacity is underscored by the 38.1% of individuals earning more than $3,000 per week, fostering a strong environment for discretionary services and retail. Residents retain 87.3% of income once mortgage and rent commitments are met, supporting an 8th decile SEIFA economic advantage standing.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Melba had 1,198 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 81% detached houses and 2% apartments. 44% are owned with a mortgage, 21% rented and 36% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,100 a month. Rent absorbs 17.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, housing stock in Melba consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory profile of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Outright homeownership was noticeably stronger than the territory benchmark at 35.5%, while mortgaged properties accounted for 43.8% and rented accommodation comprised 20.6%. Typical monthly mortgage payments stood at $2,100, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory figure of $2,080, whereas median weekly rents were $400 compared to $450 territory-wide. On a national level, Melba's mortgage commitments significantly outstrip the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents surpass the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Melba counted 1,198 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the clear majority of local living arrangements at 76.5%, comprising 36.9% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. The remaining 23.5% consists of non-family households, including 21.0% lone person households and 2.7% group households. Melba's median household size is 2.7 people, which exceeds the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
40.3% of adults in Melba hold a university qualification, including 23.9% with a bachelor degree and 11.9% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 75% of areas nationally. A further 18.1% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,342 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,040 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Melba demonstrates a robust academic profile relative to the nation, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a higher education qualification, well above the 30.4% recorded across Australia. The most prevalent credential is a Bachelor degree at 23.9%, alongside postgraduate qualifications (11.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Technical and trade training is likewise prominent, as vocational qualifications are held by 29.5% of residents aged 15+, encompassing advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (18.1%). A substantial proportion of the local population participates in study, with 31.7% of residents actively pursuing formal education. Within this cohort, primary schooling accounts for 12.0%, secondary education represents 7.5%, and 5.8% are enrolled in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Melba reaches 42 stops on 120 routes, timetabled for about 6,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity in Melba comprises 42 active bus stops accommodating 120 separate transit routes that deliver a total of 6,666 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated as excellent, with the typical distance from a home to the nearest stop measuring 157 meters. Given the suburb's residential focus, the outward commute is predominantly vehicular, with car travel accounting for 90% and bus commuting making up 6%. Motor vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.5 per dwelling, higher than the regional average, while 14.3% of workers worked from home according to the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by COVID-19 circumstances.
Transit service schedules across all active routes generate an average volume of 952 trips per day, which translates to roughly 158 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.9% of residents in Melba report no long-term health condition. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
General health conditions across Melba align closely with broader national patterns based on mortality and chronic illness assessments by AreaSearch, with typical incidence levels across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance coverage is extensive, held by roughly 57% of the total population (~1,954 people), relative to 62.4% observed throughout Australian Capital Territory. The most widely reported chronic health conditions among residents are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.1 and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 65.9% reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
Working-age adults display higher than typical rates of chronic ailments. Senior residents aged 65 and over make up 17.1% of the population (586 people), higher than the 14.2% territory level, with health ratings for older residents remaining above average and tracking general national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Melba is largely Australian-born, at 78.1% of residents, with 16.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.2%) and English (24.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Melba displays above-average cultural variety, with 21.9% of residents born abroad and 16.5% utilizing a language other than English in the home environment. Christianity is the predominant faith, adhered to by 45.4% of the population. The most visible overrepresentation occurs within Other religions, which account for 1.2% of residents compared to 1.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Examining parental heritage, the leading reported ancestries among Melba residents are Australian at 27.2%, English at 24.9%, and Irish at 9.2%. Notable specific variations also emerge among smaller background groups, with Welsh representing 0.7% of the suburb (vs 0.6% regionally), Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.9%), and Serbian at 0.4% (vs 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Melba is 38. 25.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age breakdown in Melba closely aligns with Australian Capital Territory, with every major cohort differing by no more than 6.9 percentage points from the territory-wide distribution. The estimated median age is 38, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 3 years above the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 recorded at that Census. Projections indicate no significant expansion across any broad age cohort out to 2041, with contractions anticipated among children, young adults, and young to middle-aged cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Melba
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 4 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,383 at the 2021 Census → 3,429 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801011022). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.