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

The suburb of East Melbourne's population is estimated at around 5,261 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 365 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,896 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,222, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,828 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. East Melbourne's growth rate of 7.5% since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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. An above median population growth is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 821 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.9% in total 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 shows East Melbourne recorded around 13 residential properties approved each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 66 homes. As of FY-26, no residential approvals have been recorded yet. The population has declined in recent years, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

In the current financial year ending June 2026, $541.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, East Melbourne records significantly lower building activity, which is 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's construction activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in recent years has been attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 3441 people per dwelling approval, East Melbourne reflects a highly mature market.

The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects East Melbourne to add 782 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 49 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects 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.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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 3.4% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1%. As of September 2025, there were 3,599 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

The workforce participation rate was 75.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 54.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical services (at 2.1 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment is under-represented at 3.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, with a ratio of 3.9 workers per resident. Over the past year, employment increased by 4.1% while labour force grew by 4.7%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project a growth of 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, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of East Melbourne had a median income among taxpayers of $78,074. The average income stood at $175,491. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, with Greater Melbourne's being $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for East Melbourne would be approximately $84,515 (median) and $189,969 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in East Melbourne rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 97th percentiles. The largest segment comprises 30.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,583 residents). A substantial proportion of high earners, 41.7%, are those above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the locality. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

As per the latest Census evaluation in East Melbourne, dwelling structures comprised 3.2% houses and 96.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Melbourne stood at 27.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.3% and rented dwellings at 54.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in East Melbourne was $480, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, East Melbourne's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

East Melbourne features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 49.9% of all households, including 9.6% that are couples with children, 35.5% that are couples without children, and 3.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

East Melbourne has a notably higher level of educational attainment than broader national averages. Among residents aged 15 years and above, 67.4% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its high proportion of bachelor degree holders (39.8%), postgraduate qualifications (21.8%), and graduate diplomas (5.8%). Vocational pathways are also prevalent, with advanced diplomas accounting for 9.5% and certificates for 6.3%.

Notably, 20.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education. This includes 10.6% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 2.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

East Melbourne has 37 active public transport stops, serving a mix of light rail and bus routes. These stops are covered by 38 individual routes, offering a total of 24,868 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 156 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 46%, followed by walking at 28% and train at 6%. The average vehicle ownership is 0.6 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 54.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 3,552 trips per day, equating to approximately 672 weekly trips per individual stop.

East Melbourne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

East Melbourne's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 96% of East Melbourne's total population (5029 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.8% and 7.2% of residents respectively. A total of 69.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. East Melbourne has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (24.7%, or 1299 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

East Melbourne, surveyed in 2016, showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.7%. Judaism's representation stood out at 0.7%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, East Melbourne's top groups were English (27.3%), Australian (16.7%), and Irish (12.8%). Notably, Scottish (9.9%) and French (0.7%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 5.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Polish representation was also slightly higher at 0.9%.

East Melbourne's median age exceeds the national pattern

East Melbourne's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 24.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average and the national figure of 14.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 3.3%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 cohort grew from 6.6% to 9.6%, while the 15-24 group increased from 7.5% to 8.9%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.3% to 8.9% and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.6% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in East Melbourne's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 48%, adding 224 residents to reach 693. Residents aged 65 and older represent 59% of anticipated growth, indicating demographic aging. Population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 15-24 cohorts.