Jacana

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Jacana is around 2,247. This reflects an increase of 60 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,187. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,230 as of June 2025, based on ABS ERP data release and validation of 63 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,042 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Jacana is predicted to expand by 1,392 persons, reflecting a gain of 61.2% over the 16-year period, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas for growth.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Jacana when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Jacana averaged approximately 31 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 158 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there was an average of 1 person moving to the area per dwelling built. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $508,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This year alone (FY-26), there have been $19.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Jacana records somewhat elevated construction levels, at 16.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity shows 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 82.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 84 people per dwelling approval, Jacana shows characteristics of a low density area. Future projections show Jacana adding 1,375 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Fourteen projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, with notable ones including Banksia Gardens Social Housing Development, Hume Central Redevelopment, Suburban Rail Loop North - Broadmeadows Station, and Hume Central - Broadmeadows Central Activities Area.

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

Jacana has an educated workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.7%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.3%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In December 2025, 1,084 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Jacana lags at 61.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A moderate 16.5% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries employing residents are health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction.

Jacana specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 6.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force decreased by 0.5%, reducing unemployment by 2.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% with a labour force increase of 2.8% and unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Jacana had a median taxpayer income of $46,707 and an average income of $56,546 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that period. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 with an average of $75,164 during the same time frame. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $51,200 and an average income of $61,986 in Jacana as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Jacana fall between the 12th and 27th percentiles nationally. In Jacana, 33.3% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which is similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this earnings band. 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, was 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jacana stood at 30.4%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (31.2%) or rented (38.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Melbourne metro's 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

In Jacana Trail region, 27.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (16.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 28.3% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (18.0%). Educational participation is high, with 30.5% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (7.1%), secondary (6.3%), and tertiary (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

Jacana has 17 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along seven individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,416 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Jacana is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 156 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 76% of residents, while train and bus are used by 14% and 5%, respectively.

On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Jacana. 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 individual 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. Approximately 49% of Jacana's total population (~1,106 people) has private health cover, compared to 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%), while 70.1% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes among working-age Jacana residents are generally typical. However, 16.4% of Jacana's population is aged 65 and over (368 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. 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 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 main religion in Jacana, comprising 38.3% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented, making up 19.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (31.2%, regional average: 14.6%), Australian (16.7%) and English (13.9%, regional average: 20.1%). Some ethnic groups are notably divergent: Lebanese at 3.4% (regional: 0.8%), Vietnamese at 2.8% (1.9%), and Maltese at 1.6% (1.1%).

Jacana's population is younger than the national pattern

Jacana's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 21.9% of Jacana's population, higher than Greater Melbourne but lower than the national average of 14.6%. The 5-14 age group represents 8.4%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.5% of Jacana's population. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has declined from 6.1% to 5.2%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Jacana, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to increase by 205 people (42%), rising from 492 to 698.