Jacana

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Jacana is estimated at around 2,693 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 506 people (23.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,187 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,505 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,448 persons per square kilometer, placing Jacana in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Jacana's 23.1% 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 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with Jacana expected to increase by 1,626 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 53.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Jacana has experienced around 31 dwellings receiving development approval each year. An estimated 158 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with 9 so far in FY-26. On average, 0.1 new residents arrive per new home built over these years.

This indicates that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth. The average construction value of new properties is $508,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $19.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Comparing Jacana's new home approvals per person to Greater Melbourne shows comparable figures, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. However, this activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% townhouses or apartments.

This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 82.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 79 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Jacana will gain 1,438 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones 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 details those 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 8.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 1,093 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 55.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. In home-based work, 16.5% of residents participated, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction. The area had a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services had limited presence at 6.1% compared to the regional 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. In the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, while labour force remained stable at 0.0%, reducing unemployment by 2.8 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Jacana's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Jacana's employment mix.

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 2023. The average income stood at $56,546 during the same period. These figures are lower than Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project Jacana's median income to be approximately $50,560 and the average income to reach around $61,211, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to census data, incomes in Jacana fall between the 12th and 27th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 33.3% of Jacana's community, which is consistent with the broader metropolitan region where 32.8% fall into this category. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Jacana, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jacana stood at 30.4%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (31.2%) or rented (38.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Jacana was $335, lower than Melbourne metro's $390 and 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 comprising 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 residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders at 27.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational credentials, at 28.3%, are prominent, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 18.0%. Educational participation is high at 30.5%, including primary education at 7.1%, secondary education at 6.3%, and tertiary education at 6.3%.

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.

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

The analysis of public transport in Jacana indicates there are currently 17 operational transport stops serving a variety of bus routes. These stops cater to seven individual routes, facilitating a total of 1,416 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered excellent, with residents typically residing within 156 meters of the nearest stop. Jacana's primary residential nature means most commuters travel outward from the area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 76%, while trains account for 14% and buses for 5%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 202 trips per day, equating to 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 substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are considerably higher than average, particularly among older age cohorts. Approximately 49% of Jacana's total population (~1,326 people) has private health cover, lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.1%) and mental health issues (7.8%), with 70.1% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among Jacana's working-age population are broadly typical. However, 16.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (452 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than 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 dominant religion, accounting for 38.3%. Islam, however, is significantly overrepresented at 19.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (31.2%), Australian (16.7%), and English (13.9%). The latter is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Lebanese at 3.4% (vs 0.8%), Vietnamese at 2.8% (vs 1.9%), and Maltese at 1.6% (vs 1.1%).

Jacana's population is younger than the national pattern

Jacana's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 21.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.5% to 16.3% of Jacana's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 22.3% to 21.0%. By 2041, projections indicate significant demographic changes for Jacana. The 45-54 age group is expected to rise substantially, growing by 204 people (78%) from 261 to 466.