Doveton

Population growth drivers in Doveton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Doveton statistical area (Lv2) is around 11,063. This figure reflects a growth of 1,460 people since the 2021 Census, marking a 15.2% increase from the previously reported population of 9,603. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,282 in June 2024, based on ABS's latest ERP data release and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,646 persons per square kilometer, placing Doveton (SA2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Doveton's growth rate exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages since the 2021 Census, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Based on these projections, an above median population growth is expected for Doveton (SA2) until 2041. By then, the area's population is projected to increase by 2,256 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.0% 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 shows Doveton has had around 96 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 481 homes. As of FY26, 44 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 new residents arrive annually for each new home built in the area between FY21 and FY25. This indicates supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth.

The average construction cost of new homes is $336,000. In FY26, there have been $5.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. New development consists of 30% detached houses and 70% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from existing patterns which are currently 83% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Doveton has approximately 149 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by 1,551 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include 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 most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Doveton are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Doveton's skilled workforce is notable, particularly in the construction sector. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate was 14.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year.

Residents' participation in the labor force lagged significantly at 50.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include construction, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Construction showed strong specialization, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 3.7% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year to September 2025, employment levels in Doveton increased by 4.0%, while the labor force grew by 4.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labor force growth of 3.3%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov showed 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 project national growth of 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 these are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Doveton was $43,454 and the average was $46,933 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,039 (median) and $50,805 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Doveton all fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.1% of locals (3,440 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Doveton, with only 80.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

Doveton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile

The dwelling structure in Doveton, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 83.2% houses and 16.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership stood at 23.4%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 32.6% and rented dwellings at 43.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded as $320. Nationally, Doveton's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1863, and rents were substantially 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% couples with children, 16.8% couples without children, and 15.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 8.4%. 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 them - advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (20.7%). Educational participation is high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 36 active transport stops operating within Doveton. These comprise a mix of buses serving 11 individual routes, collectively providing 1,431 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 204 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per 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. Prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover rate is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5033 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 7.4% and 6.5% of residents respectively, while 73.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. Doveton has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1427 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges 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% of its population identifying as Christian. Islam is notably overrepresented in Doveton, comprising 30.0%, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestral groups are 'Other' at 40.5%, English at 12.2%, and Australian at 10.9%. Notably, Serbian (4.5%), Sri Lankan (1.8%), and Hungarian (0.5%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Doveton compared to the regional averages of none for each group.

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 years (18.0%), but fewer residents aged 75-84 years (3.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 years has increased from 15.4% to 17.1%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 years has decreased from 19.2% to 18.0%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in Doveton's population. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 35%, adding 433 residents to reach a total of 1,673. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is expected to show minimal growth of just 1% (26 people).