Doncaster East

Population growth drivers in Doncaster East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Doncaster East statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 34,337. This reflects an increase of 3,411 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 30,926. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 32,848 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 308 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,090 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Doncaster East (SA2) experienced an 11.0% growth since the 2021 Census, exceeding the SA3 area's 9.6% and the national average. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends project an above median population growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The Doncaster East (SA2) is expected to grow by 7,286 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 16.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Doncaster East among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Doncaster East has seen approximately 203 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,015 homes. As of FY-26, 65 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed accommodates about 1.3 new residents per year. This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new homes is around $705,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached $12.6 million, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development. Doncaster East maintains similar construction rates per person compared to Greater Melbourne, contributing to regional market stability. New developments consist of 24.0% detached dwellings and 76.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the current housing mix of 63.0% houses reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands.

The location has approximately 175 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Doncaster East will gain around 5,806 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Doncaster East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include The Pines Retirement Living, Arden Residences Doncaster East, 1-15 Andersons Creek Road Mixed Use Development, and 1026-1030 Doncaster Road Luxury Apartments. The following list details those 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.

Doncaster East has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Doncaster East has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 2.4%. As of September 2025, 16,352 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Doncaster East was somewhat lower than Greater Melbourne's at 59.1% versus 64.1%.

Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. However, construction was under-represented with only 7.1% of the workforce compared to 9.7% in Greater Melbourne. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4% while labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points in Doncaster East. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points over the same period. State-level data from Victoria as of 25-Nov showed employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, and employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected that employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Doncaster East's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Doncaster East is below national average. Median income is $45,494 while average income stands at $64,183. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $49,247 (median) and $69,478 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 52nd percentile ($1,792 weekly), while personal income is at the 28th percentile. Distribution data shows that 30.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (10,472 individuals). High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Doncaster East displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Doncaster East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.1% houses and 36.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.1% houses and 32.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doncaster East was at 42.9%, similar to Melbourne metro, with the rest being mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (24.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,400, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $462, also matching Melbourne metro's figures. Nationally, Doncaster East's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Doncaster East features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.7% of all households, including 41.5% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.3%, with lone person households at 19.5% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Doncaster East places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Doncaster East is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 43.9% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Among these residents with university qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%).

Vocational pathways also play a substantial role in educational attainment among those aged 15 years and over, accounting for 22.5% of all qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 11.3%. Educational participation is particularly high in Doncaster East, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Doncaster East has 133 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 24 different routes that together facilitate 6,424 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transports is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 190 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 917 trips per day, which translates to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Doncaster East's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Doncaster East. The prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low.

Private health cover rate is approximately 52% of the total population (~17,934 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.6 and 5.3% of residents respectively. 76.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. 21.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (7,451 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 22.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Doncaster East has a culturally diverse population, with 59.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 53.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Doncaster East, comprising 43.4%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 6.0% of Doncaster East's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (32.4%), Other (13.2%), and English (12.5%). Greek (5.8%) and Korean (1.1%) are notably overrepresented, while Italian (6.0%) is underrepresented compared to regional averages.

Doncaster East's median age exceeds the national pattern

Doncaster East's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Doncaster East has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (7.8% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (10.0%). Post the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group has increased from 13.3% to 13.9%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 10.9% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Doncaster East's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 103%, adding 1,310 residents to reach 2,581. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 52% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.