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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Dandenong North is estimated at around 23,503. This reflects an increase of 953 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,550 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 23,319, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,495 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Dandenong North's growth rate of 4.2% since the census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.9%). Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted 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 years 2032 to 2041. Future projections anticipate lower quartile growth nationally, with the suburb expected to increase by 774 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase 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

Dandenong North averaged around 50 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between financial years 2021 and 2025, approximately 254 homes were approved, with another 16 approved in the current fiscal year 2026. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average construction value of new properties is $459,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting quality construction emphasis. This financial year, $4.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. 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 more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New building activity shows 69.0% detached houses and 31.0% attached dwellings, with an increasing blend of attached housing types across price ranges. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

The location has approximately 625 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts estimate Dandenong North will gain 590 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Liege Avenue Childcare Centre, Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, RACV Noble Park Redevelopment, and Silverton Noble Park North. The following list details those 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 strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.4% as of September 2021. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%.

As of September 2025, 10,724 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Dandenong North lags behind Greater Melbourne at 60.4% compared to 71.0%. Moderate home workership was observed with 17.7% of residents working from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction, with notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.9 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.9%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force grew by 4.7%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 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, although 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Dandenong North is $45,085 and average income is $51,866. This is lower than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $48,805 and average income would be around $56,145, based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ending June 2023. The 2021 Census data ranks Dandenong North's household income at the 31st percentile with a weekly income of $1,436 and personal income at the 12th percentile. The earnings profile indicates that 32.2% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly. 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

Dwelling structure in Dandenong North, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dandenong North was at 36.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent figure was recorded at $341, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Dandenong North's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Dandenong North has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 prevalent at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are common, 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.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Dandenong North indicates that there are currently 104 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops primarily serve buses, with a total of 19 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 1,667 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 171 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Dandenong North is predominantly residential, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census data, some 17.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect changes due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 238 trips per day, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies the analysis and shows the locations of the 100 nearest transport stops to the area's centerpoint.

Dandenong North's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Dandenong North shows positive outcomes overall, with mortality rates and health conditions comparable to national averages. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (11,147 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.2% and 6.6% of residents respectively. 72.0% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Dandenong North has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (20.4%, or 4,794 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. However, this is lower than the national average.

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, accounting for 49.3% of people, but Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 7.9%, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group in Dandenong North at 27.9%, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.6%.

Australian ancestry makes up 12.0%, lower than the regional average of 18.4%, and English ancestry comprises 11.7%, also lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Serbian is overrepresented at 3.2% (vs 0.4% regionally), Sri Lankan at 2.7% (vs 0.8%), and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

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

The median age in Dandenong North is 38 years, 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 (10.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.2%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 increased from 11.9% to 13.1%, while the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 6.1% to 7.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 decreased from 14.9% to 13.2%. By 2041, Dandenong North's age composition is expected to change significantly. The population aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 36%, reaching 2,309 people from 1,692. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 77% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups.