Meadow Heights

An assessment of population growth drivers in Meadow Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The estimated population of Meadow Heights is around 15,039 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,890. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 14,960 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,248 persons per square kilometer, placing Meadow Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Meadow Heights is expected to expand by 5,325 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 34.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Meadow Heights, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Meadow Heights averaged around 31 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 158 homes were approved, with a further 18 approved so far in FY-26. The population has been declining recently, suggesting new supply is keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $301,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year, there have been $336,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Meadow Heights records markedly lower building activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, this is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 55.0% standalone homes and 45.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 82.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 635 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections estimate Meadow Heights will add 5,246 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that may affect the region. Notable ones are Meadow Heights Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Upfield Corridor - Rail Extension to Roxburgh Park, Canadian Court Reserve Playspace Improvements, and Redwood Close Reserve Playspace Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Meadow Heights faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Meadow Heights has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate in Meadow Heights is 14.1%, while estimated employment growth over the past year is 3.8%. As of December 2025, 5,016 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate stands at 9.3%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Meadow Heights lags behind Greater Melbourne, with 49.1% compared to 71.3%. According to Census responses, 13.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Transport, postal & warehousing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, while labour force decreased by 0.8%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 3.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising slightly by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Meadow Heights' employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Meadow Heights had a median income among taxpayers of $38,897. The average income stood at $45,666. This was lower than the national average and compared to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $42,106 for median income and $49,433 for average income as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 18th percentile with a weekly income of $1,274, while personal income sits at the 1st percentile. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.2% of residents (4,541 people), similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 16th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Meadow Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census on 2016, comprised 82.3% houses and 17.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadow Heights was at 27.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.3%) or rented (31.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,460, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $346. Nationally, Meadow Heights's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Meadow Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 82.4% of all households, including 44.3% couples with children, 16.8% couples without children, and 19.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 14.8% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Meadow Heights faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (16.6%). Educational participation is high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.8% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Meadow Heights has 62 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by seven different routes, offering a total of 1,863 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents usually located 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most Meadow Heights residents commute outward daily, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 91%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 266 trips per day, translating to roughly 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Meadow Heights faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~6,769 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.2%) and diabetes (6.9%). A total of 71.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. Meadow Heights has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,180 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Meadow Heights has a population where 50.0% were born overseas, with 74.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Islam, practiced by 52.7% of Meadow Heights residents, compared to the regional average of 5.6%. In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the highest group at 50.9%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 14.6%.

Australian ancestry stands at 11.5%, lower than the regional average of 18.4%, and English ancestry is 8.9%, also lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Notably, Lebanese ethnicity is overrepresented in Meadow Heights at 8.5% compared to the regional figure of 0.8%. Vietnamese ethnicity is also higher at 3.6% versus 1.9% regionally, and Samoan ethnicity stands at 1.2%, higher than the regional average of 0.3%.

Meadow Heights hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Meadow Heights has a median age of 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Meadow Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 7.4% to 8.8%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 3.6% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Meadow Heights, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age cohort, which is expected to grow by 48%, adding 796 residents to reach a total of 2,466.