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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Meadow Heights' population is estimated at around 15,039 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 149 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,890 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,960 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS 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 it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 5,331 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, 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 approximately 31 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years 2021 to 2025, around 158 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in the current financial year 2026. Despite population decline in recent years, new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers.

The average value of new homes being built is $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 has significantly lower building activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, it is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity consists of approximately 55.0% standalone homes and 45.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a growing range of medium-density options across various price brackets.

This shift from the area's current housing composition (82.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 635 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Meadow Heights is projected to add around 5,252 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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 9 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Meadow Heights Shopping Centre Redevelopment, the Upfield Corridor - Rail Extension to Roxburgh Park, Canadian Court Reserve Playspace Improvements, and Redwood Close Reserve Playspace Upgrade. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Meadow Heights face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Meadow Heights has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 17.5% as of September 2025. This rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Meadow Heights lags behind Greater Melbourne, at 49.8% compared to 71.0%. 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. The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, at 4.3% compared to the regional 10.1%. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while the labour force grew by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and a smaller increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest 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 on June 30th, 2023, Meadow Heights had a median income among taxpayers of $38,897. The average income stood at $45,666. This is lower than national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30th, 2023, current estimates for Meadow Heights would be approximately $42,106 (median) and $49,433 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household income ranks at the 18th percentile with a weekly income of $1,274, while personal income sits at the 1st percentile. In terms of income distribution, 30.2% of residents (4,541 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Meadow Heights, 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, comprised 82.3% houses and 17.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadow Heights was 27.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.3% and rented ones at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,460, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Meadow Heights was $346, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Meadow Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 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 constitute 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 among residents aged 15+, with 26.0% holding such qualifications, 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 primary education (11.8%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (5.6%).

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

Meadow Heights has 62 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 1,863 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 177 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Meadow Heights residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (91%). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which exceeds the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes is an average of 266 trips per day, equating to approximately 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population, around 6769 people, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and diabetes, affecting 7.2% and 6.9% of residents respectively. About 71.6% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 14.4%, or approximately 2165 people, aged 65 and over. 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 one of the highest percentages of overseas-born residents in the country, with 50.0%. The majority of its population speaks a language other than English at home, totaling 74.3%. The dominant religion is Islam, practiced by 52.7% of Meadow Heights' inhabitants, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Other (50.9%), Australian (11.5%), and English (8.9%). These figures differ notably from regional averages: Other is substantially higher at 50.9% compared to 14.6%, while Australian and English are lower at 11.5% and 8.9% respectively, against regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1%. Some ethnic groups show significant overrepresentation: Lebanese (8.5% vs regional 0.8%), Vietnamese (3.6% vs 1.9%), and Samoan (1.2% vs 0.3%).

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

Meadow Heights's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Meadow Heights has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 7.4% to 8.8%, while the population aged 75-84 has increased from 3.6% to 4.7%. Conversely, the population aged 45-54 has declined from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, it is projected that Meadow Heights' population will change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 49%, adding 806 residents and reaching a total of 2,461.