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 Dandenong North, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 23,377 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 827 people (3.7%) from the previous population count of 22,550 in the 2021 Census. The latest estimated resident population (ERP) from AreaSearch is 23,319, following an examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,481 persons per square kilometer, placing Dandenong North in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing around 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Dandenong North is expected to experience lower quartile growth compared to other statistical areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to increase by 774 persons, reflecting a total gain of 3.1% over the 17-year period.

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 indicates that Dandenong North has seen approximately 50 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 254 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Despite a decline in population during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, which is positive for buyers. The average value of new homes being built is $459,000, consistent with regional trends.

This financial year, $4.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dandenong North has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 26th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 69.0% detached dwellings and 31.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This shows a considerable shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 86.0% houses, addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

At around 625 people per approval, Dandenong North demonstrates a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dandenong North is expected to grow by 716 residents through to 2041. 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.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified five major projects potentially impacting the area. Key initiatives include Liege Avenue Childcare Centre, Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, RACV Noble Park Redevelopment, and Silverton Noble Park North. The following details projects likely most relevant:.

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.

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 well-represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 8.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. As of June 2025, 10,740 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Dandenong North lagged behind Greater Melbourne's at 54.0% compared to 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction.

Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employed only 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5% with an unemployment increase of only 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dandenong North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Dandenong North had a median income among taxpayers of $45,085 and an average income of $51,866. These figures are below the national averages of $54,892 and $73,761 for Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $50,567 and average income would be around $58,173 as of September 2025. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 31st percentile with a weekly income of $1,436, while personal income sits at the 12th percentile. Income distribution shows that 32.2% of locals (7,527 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dandenong North, 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

Dwelling structure in Dandenong North, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 72.1% houses and 28.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dandenong North stood at 36.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Dandenong North was $341, compared to Melbourne metro's $350. Nationally, Dandenong North's mortgage repayments were below 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 account for 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 constitute 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 has university qualification rates at 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 prominent, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 19.2%. Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.1% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

Dandenong North has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 2,051 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 985) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are at 8.8, below the regional average of 15.4, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are used by a mix of bus routes, with a total of 19 individual routes servicing the area. Collectively, these routes provide 2,835 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Dandenong North is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 171 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 405 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 27 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 Dandenong North residents have slightly more common health conditions than average across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~11,087 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.2%) and mental health issues (6.6%). About 72.0% report being free from medical ailments compared to 75.1% in Greater Melbourne. Around 19.8% (~4,628 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, higher than the 17.4% in Greater Melbourne. Overall, the health profile 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 a high level of cultural diversity, with 54.0% of its population 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 people. Buddhism makes up 7.9%, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 15.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (27.9%), Australian (12.0%), and English (11.7%). Serbian (3.2%) and Sri Lankan (2.7%) populations are notably higher than regional averages, while Hungarian is slightly overrepresented at 0.5%.

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

The median age in Dandenong North is 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 has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.3%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, 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, significant changes are expected in Dandenong North's age composition. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 43%, reaching 2,309 people from 1,613. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 77% of the total population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 15-24.