Dandenong North

Dandenong North is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Dandenong North statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 23,501 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 951 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,550 people in the Dandenong North (SA2). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 23,319 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,494 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Dandenong North (SA2) saw a growth of 4.2% since census, positioning it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.8%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Dandenong North (SA2).

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with the Dandenong North (SA2) expected to increase by 774 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 2.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Dandenong North, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Dandenong North shows approximately 50 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 254 homes. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, benefiting buyers. New home construction values average $459,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments.

Commercial development approvals totalled $4.0 million in FY-26, suggesting limited commercial development emphasis. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dandenong North has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 26th percentile nationally, offering fewer choices for buyers but supporting demand for existing dwellings. This lower level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 69.0% detached dwellings and 31.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments catering to various price points. This shift from the current housing mix (86.0% houses) addresses reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands.

Dandenong North has around 625 people per approval, indicating an established area. By 2041, AreaSearch projects a population growth of 592 residents. With current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

Dandenong North has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the region. Key projects include Liege Avenue Childcare Centre, Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, RACV Noble Park Redevelopment, and Silverton Noble Park North. The following list details those of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment drivers in Dandenong North are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Dandenong North has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 8.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%.

As of September 2025, there are 10,724 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's by 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags at 54.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical services employ only 5.9% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, while the labour force grew by 4.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, resulting in an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dandenong North's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Dandenong North had a median income among taxpayers of $45,085 and an average of $51,866. This is below the national average of $57,688 and Greater Melbourne's average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $48,805 (median) and $56,145 (average). Census data reveals household income ranks at the 31st percentile with a weekly income of $1,436, while personal income sits at the 12th percentile. Distribution data shows that 32.2% of locals (7,567 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile.

Dandenong North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Dandenong North, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metropolitan area's structure which had 72.1% houses and 28.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dandenong North stood at 36.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.1%) or rented (28.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure for Dandenong North was recorded at $341, compared to Melbourne metro's $350. Nationally, Dandenong North's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Dandenong North has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 75.0% of all households, including 37.1% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 21.2% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Dandenong North shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 23.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (19.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.1% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Dandenong North has 104 active public transport stops. All these stops are served by buses. There are 19 different bus routes operating in the area, together providing 1,667 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance residents live from the nearest transport stop is 171 meters. On average, there are 238 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Dandenong North's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows that Dandenong North residents have slightly more common health conditions than average across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% of the total population (~11,146 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (7.2%) and mental health issues (6.6%). About 72% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.1% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,653 people), which is higher than the 17.4% in Greater Melbourne. Overall, the health profile of Dandenong North residents is broadly similar to that of the general population.

Dandenong North is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dandenong North has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 54.0% of its residents born overseas and 59.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dandenong North, comprising 49.3% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably underrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up only 7.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are 'Other' (27.9%), Australian (12.0%), and English (11.7%). Some ethnic groups have higher representation in Dandenong North than the regional average: Serbian at 3.2% vs 1.1%, Sri Lankan at 2.7% vs 1.8%, and Hungarian at 0.5% vs 0.4%.

Dandenong North's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Dandenong North was 38 years as of the 2021 Census, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dandenong North had a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.6%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.9% to 13.0%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 decreased from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, Dandenong North's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The population aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 2,309 people from the previous number of 1,621. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 78% of the total population growth. Conversely, declines in population are projected for those aged 0-4 and 15-24.