East Melbourne

An assessment of population growth drivers in East Melbourne reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of East Melbourne's population is estimated at around 5,218 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 322 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,896 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,221, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,805 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. East Melbourne's 6.6% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 821 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.8% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in East Melbourne is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows East Melbourne experienced around 12 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 62 homes. As of FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded so far. The population has declined in recent years, with housing supply remaining adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market offering good buyer choice.

This year, $88,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, East Melbourne shows substantially reduced construction activity (82.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 3441 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate East Melbourne will gain 825 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 49 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Punt Road Oval Redevelopment, Simpson Street Residential Development, 250 Albert Street, and Elizabeth Street North Richmond Social Housing. 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 conditions in East Melbourne demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

East Melbourne has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of the past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 6.6%. As of June 2025, 3729 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in East Melbourne is 69.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Construction employment is limited at 3.8%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%. As per the Census, there are 3.9 workers for every resident, indicating that East Melbourne functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.6% and labour force increased by 7.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Melbourne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.2% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows East Melbourne had a median income among taxpayers of $78,074. The average income was $175,491. These figures place East Melbourne in the top percentile nationally. Comparing to Greater Melbourne's levels of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. As of September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% would be approximately $87,568 (median) and $196,831 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in East Melbourne rank highly, between the 85th and 97th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.1% of residents (1,570 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to metropolitan regions where 32.8% occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners (41.7%) are above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

East Melbourne features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

East Melbourne's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.2% houses and 96.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 2.2% houses and 97.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Melbourne stood at 27.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.3% and rented ones at 54.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, higher than the Melbourne metro average of $1,962. Median weekly rent in East Melbourne was $480, compared to Melbourne metro's $396. Nationally, East Melbourne's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 against Australia's average of $1,863. Rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

East Melbourne features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 49.9% of all households, including 9.6% couples with children, 35.5% couples without children, and 3.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 50.1%, with lone person households at 43.1% and group households comprising 7.1%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Educational attainment in East Melbourne is notably higher than national and state averages. 67.4% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 39.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.8% and graduate diplomas at 5.8%. Vocational pathways account for 15.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 9.5% and certificates 6.3%.

A significant 20.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.6% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 2.8% in secondary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, with families accessing schools in neighboring areas.

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

East Melbourne has 38 active public transport stops operating. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 41 individual routes that collectively provide 18,745 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 156 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 2,677 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 493 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in East Melbourne is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

East Melbourne shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly residents, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 96% of its total population (4,988 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.0%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 8.8%, and arthritis impacts 7.2% of residents in East Melbourne, while 69.4% report no medical ailments. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has 79.8% without medical ailments. As of 2021, 23.5% (1,226 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 6.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in East Melbourne are notably better than the general population.

East Melbourne was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

East Melbourne's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 39.7%. Judaism, however, was more prevalent in East Melbourne at 0.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.3%), Australian (16.7%), and Irish (12.8%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Scottish (9.9%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 5.1%, while French and Polish showed similar representation to regional averages at 0.7% each.

East Melbourne hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

East Melbourne's median age is 41 years, notably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is significantly over-represented at 25.1%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average and national rate of 14.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 3.3%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 cohort grew from 6.6% to 8.7%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 23.4% to 25.1%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 group declined from 11.3% to 9.2% and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.6% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in East Melbourne's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 57%, adding 259 residents to reach 713. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 63% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts.