Doreen

Doreen lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Doreen's estimated population is around 30,902. This reflects an increase of 3,780 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 27,122. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 29,393 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 958 persons per square kilometer. Doreen's growth rate of 13.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth is predicted over this period, placing Doreen in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The area is expected to increase by 17,247 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 51.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Doreen had around 139 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 695 homes. By FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded so far. This results in an average of approximately 5.2 new residents per home built during these years. The demand for housing significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $431,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, $367,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity.

New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (93.0%) and attached dwellings (7.0%), maintaining Doreen's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. With around 452 people per approval, Doreen indicates a mature market. Population forecasts from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Doreen will gain approximately 15,748 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Doreen has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Twenty projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Among them, key initiatives include the Precinct 2A Doreen Development Plan, Bridge Inn Road Development Sites - Mernda Precinct 2A, Laurimar Estate, and Bridge Inn Road Residential Development Site. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Doreen shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Doreen has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there were 16,735 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was high at 72.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 6.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force increased by 0.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov 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 Doreen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Income data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates that Doreen suburb has average national incomes. The median assessed income is $58,037 and the average income stands at $66,894. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $62,825 (median) and $72,413 (average). Census 2021 data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Doreen are around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 41.9% of residents (12,947 people), similar to the surrounding region at 32.8%. Housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Doreen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile

Dwelling structure in Doreen, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Home ownership level was 19.3%, with 59.1% of dwellings mortgaged and 21.5% rented. Median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, while median weekly rent was $397. Nationally, Doreen's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Doreen features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 3.0 people

Family households account for 84.4% of all households, including 48.9% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.6%, with lone person households at 14.2% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 3.0 people.

Doreen shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 25.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (25.8%). Educational participation is high, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 13.6% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 90 active transport stops operating within Doreen, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 1789 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 255 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Doreen's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Doreen, with younger cohorts particularly seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53%, higher than the average SA2 area (~16,464 people). Common medical conditions include asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.4% and 8.2% of residents respectively. About 74.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. Doreen has 10.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,121 people).

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Doreen was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Doreen's population shows notable diversity, with 20.4% born overseas and 19.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Doreen, accounting for 47.2% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.9%, compared to none in Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the most represented group at 26.1%, followed by English at 24.1%. The 'Other' category accounts for 9.1% of Doreen's population. Some ethnic groups are significantly overrepresented: Macedonian (1.6%), Italian (7.0%), and Sri Lankan (0.7%).

Doreen's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Doreen's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Doreen has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (17.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.4%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 11.7% to 13.1%, while the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 2.3% to 3.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 13.9% to 11.4%, and the 0 to 4 age group has dropped from 8.5% to 7.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Doreen, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to grow by 77%, adding 3,374 residents to reach a total of 7,732.