Doveton

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

As of Nov 2025, Doveton's population is estimated at around 10,229, reflecting an increase of 626 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,603. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and ABS ERP data released in June 2024, showing a resident population estimate of 10,179. Doveton's population density is around 2,447 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 6.5% since the Census is within 2.4 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopted 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 utilised VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 2,264 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 23.4% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Doveton when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Doveton shows around 94 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 470 homes. As of FY26, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 new residents arrive per new home built annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost for new homes is $336,000, below regional norms.

In FY26, $5.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered. New development consists of 29% detached dwellings and 71% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the current 83% houses. Doveton has around 171 people per approval, reflecting its developing nature. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 2,393 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand.

Population forecasts indicate Doveton will gain 2,393 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 11 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Doveton Pool in the Park Revitalisation Project, Rowan Drive Doveton Development Plan (Ilim College Doveton Campus Expansion), Officer Town Centre (Major Activity Centre), and Endeavour Hills Community Precinct. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Doveton lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Doveton's workforce is skilled with notable representation in the construction sector. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate was 14.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year.

There are 4,157 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's at 10.2%. Workforce participation in Doveton lags behind Greater Melbourne at 50.4% compared to 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents include construction, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Construction stands out with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.0% while labour force grew by 4.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Doveton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Doveton had a median taxpayer income of $43,454 and an average income of $46,933. Nationally, the averages were $54,892 and $73,761 in Greater Melbourne respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, median income is estimated at $48,738 and average at $52,640. The 2021 Census places Doveton's household, family, and personal incomes between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 31.1% of locals (3,181 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Doveton, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 83.2% houses and 16.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Home ownership in Doveton was 23.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented dwellings at 43.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, and the median weekly rent was $320. Nationally, Doveton's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were below the national figure of $375.

Doveton features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.7 people

Family households account for 65.4% of all households, including 30.9% that are couples with children, 16.8% that are couples without children, and 15.5% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 8.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people.

Doveton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (20.7%). Educational participation is high at 32.6%, comprising primary education (9.9%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (4.6%).

Doveton has a network of seven schools educating approximately 947 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 932). The school mix includes one primary, three secondary, and three K-12 schools. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in 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

Transport analysis indicates 37 active public transport stops in Doveton, consisting of bus services only. These stops are served by 11 different routes, offering a total of 2,235 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 193 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 319 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Doveton'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 shows relatively positive outcomes for Doveton residents, with low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population, although higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 46% (~4,654 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.5% of residents respectively. 73.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 12.9% (1,319 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Doveton has a population where 64.7% speak a language other than English at home, and 60.3% were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Doveton with 35.6%, but Islam is notably higher compared to Greater Melbourne at 30.0%. The top three ancestry groups are Other (40.5%), English (12.2%), and Australian (10.9%).

Serbian, Sri Lankan, and Hungarian ethnicities have significant representation in Doveton compared to the regional average.

Doveton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Doveton's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Doveton has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.0%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.8%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 15.4% to 17.1%, while the population aged 25-34 has declined from 19.2% to 18.0%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Doveton's age distribution, with the strongest growth projected for the 45-54 cohort (46%), adding 527 residents to reach a total of 1,673.