Jacana

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Jacana is around 2,596 people. This figure reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,187 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,530 based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,360 persons per square kilometer, placing Jacana in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 18.7% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and 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 are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future projections anticipate exceptional growth, placing Jacana in the top 10 percent of national areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,486 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 47.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Jacana recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Jacana experienced around 31 dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, approximately 157 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY26 to date. This averages out to about 0.1 new resident per new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these properties is $508,000. In FY26, $11.7 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered. Jacana's new home approvals are comparable to Greater Melbourne's on a per capita basis, suggesting market stability in line with regional trends. However, this activity is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 21% standalone homes and 79% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 82% houses. This suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Jacana is projected to gain 1,225 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

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

AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure. Among these key projects are Banksia Gardens Social Housing Development, Hume Central Redevelopment, Suburban Rail Loop North - Broadmeadows Station, and Hume Central - Broadmeadows Central Activities Area. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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

Jacana's workforce is well-educated with strong representation from manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 11.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%.

As of June 2025, 1,072 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.8%, above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 2.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have a limited presence at 6.1% compared to the regional 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, labour force grew by 5.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in Sep-22, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Jacana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Jacana's median income among taxpayers was $46,707 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $56,546 during the same period. For Greater Melbourne, these figures were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, based on a 12.16% growth in wages since financial year 2022, median income is estimated to be approximately $52,387 and average income around $63,422. Census data shows that incomes in Jacana fall between the 12th and 27th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals alike. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 33.3% of Jacana's population (864 individuals), which is consistent with metropolitan trends at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Jacana, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census evaluation showed that Jacana's dwelling structure comprised 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jacana was at 30.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented dwellings at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Jacana was $1,517, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,834. The median weekly rent figure in Jacana was $335, compared to Melbourne metro's $369. Nationally, Jacana's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Jacana features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households comprising 6.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.2.

Jacana shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Educational qualifications in Jacana trail regional benchmarks, with 27.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (18.0%). Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 7.1% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education. Jacana School for Autism provides local educational services within Jacana, with an enrollment of 227 students as of the latest data point. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 997) with balanced educational opportunities. All 1 schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. Limited local school capacity (8.7 places per 100 residents vs 17.5 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Jacana has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 2,579 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 156 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 368 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 151 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Jacana is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Jacana faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a considerably higher degree among older cohorts.

Approximately 49% of Jacana's total population (~1,278 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in Jacana are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.1 and 7.8% of residents respectively. In comparison, 70.1% of Jacana residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, while this figure is 76.3% across Greater Melbourne. Jacana has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.1%, with 417 people in this age group compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Jacana present challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Jacana's population shows high cultural diversity, with 48.9% born overseas and 52.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 38.3%. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 19.4% of Jacana's population.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (31.2%), Australian (16.7%), and English (13.9%). Notably, Lebanese (3.4%) and Vietnamese (2.8%) are overrepresented, while Maltese (1.6%) is slightly underrepresented compared to regional averages.

Jacana's population is younger than the national pattern

Jacana's median age in 2021 was 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group constituted 21.9% of Jacana's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 5-14 cohort made up 8.8% of Jacana's population in 2021. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.5% to 15.7%, while the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 6.1% to 5.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Jacana, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to rise substantially from 233 to 424 people, an increase of 190 (81%).