Jacana

Population growth drivers in Jacana are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since Feb 2026, the suburb of Jacana has an estimated population of around 2,693. This figure represents a growth of 506 people (23.1%) from the 2021 Census count of 2,187 residents. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,505 residents based on June 2024 ABS ERP data release and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,448 persons per square kilometer, placing Jacana in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages since the 2021 Census, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% 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, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections anticipate exceptional growth, placing Jacana in the top 10 percent nationally, with an expected increase of 1,508 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 42.9% 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 in Jacana indicates approximately 31 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 158 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 0.1 new residents per new home annually over these years.

The average construction value is approximately $508,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, there have been $19.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Jacana's new home approvals per capita are comparable, supporting market stability. However, this activity is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest. Recent construction comprises 20% standalone homes and 80% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition of 82% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

The location has approximately 78 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Jacana is projected to gain around 1,155 residents by 2041. Construction pace appears reasonable with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population expands.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by modifications to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that are anticipated to influence this area. Notable projects include Banksia Gardens Social Housing Development, Hume Central Redevelopment, Suburban Rail Loop North - Broadmeadows Station, and Hume Central - Broadmeadows Central Activities Area. The following list outlines those projects likely to be 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 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 in Jacana was 10.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%.

In comparison to Greater Melbourne, Jacana had an unemployment rate of 6.2%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Jacana lagged behind Greater Melbourne's rate, with 56.7% compared to 71.0%. Home-based work accounted for 16.5% of residents based on Census responses. The dominant employment sectors among Jacana residents were health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction.

Notably, the area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services had a limited presence at 6.1% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Jacana increased by 3.1%, while labour force grew by 2.9%. This resulted in a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 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. However, it is important to note that these projections are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Jacana's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Jacana is $46,707 and the average income stands at $56,546. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 and average income is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Jacana would be approximately $50,560 (median) and $61,211 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Jacana all fall between the 12th and 27th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.3% of the community (896 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile.

Jacana is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Jacana, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Jacana was aligned with Melbourne metro at 30.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.2%) or rented (38.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000, and the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $335, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Jacana's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Jacana features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households making up 6.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Jacana Trail's educational qualifications trail Greater Melbourne's regional benchmarks. As of [2018](https://www.abs.gov.au/), 27.9% of Jacana Trail residents aged 15 and above held university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%).

Trade and technical skills were prominent, with 28.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (18.0%). Educational participation was notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of [2016](https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/). This included 7.1% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Jacana has 17 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by seven different routes, offering a total of 1,416 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 156 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Jacana, primarily using cars (76%). Train use stands at 14%, and bus use is 5%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. All routes combined provide an average of 202 trips daily, resulting in approximately 83 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Jacana is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Jacana faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average, particularly among older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,326 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in Jacana are arthritis (8.1%) and mental health issues (7.8%), with 70.1% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. However, seniors face some challenges; Jacana has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (449 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes rank lower nationally compared to 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 cultural diversity is notable, with 48.9% of its population born overseas and 52.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Jacana, comprising 38.3% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 19.4% of Jacana's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (31.2%), Australian (16.7%), and English (13.9%). Notably, Lebanese (3.4%) and Vietnamese (2.8%) populations in Jacana exceed regional averages by significant margins, while Maltese (1.6%) is slightly higher than the regional average of 1.1%.

Jacana's population is younger than the national pattern

Jacana's median age in 2021 was 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 showed strong representation at 21.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort was less prevalent at 8.6%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.1% of Jacana's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 22.3% to 21.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Jacana. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 174 people (69%) from 253 to 428.