Doveton

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Doveton's population is estimated at around 11,073 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,470 people (15.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,603 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,282 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 274 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,649 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Doveton's 15.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,223 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Doveton experienced around 95 dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 479 homes. So far in FY26, 49 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 new residents per year arrived for every new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes was $336,000.

This financial year has seen $5.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. New development comprised 30% detached houses and 70% medium to high-density housing, a significant shift from the current 83% houses. The location had approximately 150 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Doveton is projected to grow by 1,432 residents by 2041.

Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable 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

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones including 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 likely to be 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 has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 15.2% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year. This rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Doveton lags behind Greater Melbourne at 59.1% compared to 71.3%. According to Census responses, only 9.4% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries of employment among residents are construction, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Doveton shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 4.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

The suburb of Doveton had a median taxpayer income of $43,454 and an average of $46,933 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne's median income being $57,688 and average income $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since 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 (3,443 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Doveton, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 28 August 2016, comprised 83.2% houses and 16.8% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doveton stood at 23.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.6% and rented ones at 43.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Doveton was $320, while for Melbourne metro it was $390. Nationally, Doveton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Doveton features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 34.6%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 8.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 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 prominent, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (20.7%). Educational participation is high at 32.6%, with 9.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 shows 36 active transport stops in Doveton, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 11 individual routes, collectively offering 1,431 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 204 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Doveton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Doveton faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 5,038 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a 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. About 73.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 13.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,472 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 64.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 60.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Doveton, making up 35.6% of its population. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, comprising 30.0% of Doveton's population.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 40.5%, substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%. English ancestry makes up 12.2%, notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%, and Australian ancestry comprises 10.9%, also lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Some other ethnic groups are notably divergent: Serbian at 4.5% (vs 0.4% regionally), Sri Lankan at 1.8% (vs 0.8%), and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

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 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Doveton has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.2%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the age group 35 to 44 has increased from 15.4% to 17.2% of Doveton's population, while the age group 25 to 34 has decreased from 19.2% to 17.5%. By 2041, projections indicate significant demographic changes in Doveton. The age group 45-54 is expected to grow by 31%, adding 394 residents to reach a total of 1,657. Conversely, the age group 0-4 shows minimal growth of just 3% (22 people).