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 Meadow Heights statistical area (Lv2), its population is estimated at around 15,035 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 145 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,890 people. The change was 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 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,247 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 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the Meadow Heights (SA2) expected to expand by 5,331 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 35.0% 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 in Meadow Heights shows an average of around 31 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 158 homes were approved, with a further 18 approved so far in FY-26. The population has been declining over recent years, suggesting that new supply has likely kept up with demand, providing good choice for buyers.

The average value of new homes being built is $301,000, which aligns 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 markedly lower building activity, at 84.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. New building activity in Meadow Heights consists of 55.0% standalone homes and 45.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a range of medium-density options across different price brackets.

This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 82.0% houses. The location has approximately 635 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Meadow Heights is projected to add 5,256 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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects include 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 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 conditions in Meadow Heights face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Meadow Heights has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate was 17.5% in an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 1%.

As of September 2025, 4882 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 12.8%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Meadow Heights lags at 43.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share twice the regional level, while professional & technical has limited presence at 4.3%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 1% alongside labour force growth of 1.7%, raising unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023, Meadow Heights had a median taxpayer income of $38,897 and an average income of $45,666. These figures are lower than the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 for Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $42,106 and $49,433 respectively. Census data shows household income ranks at the 18th percentile ($1,274 weekly) and personal income at the 1st percentile. Income distribution reveals that 30.2% of residents (4,540 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile.

Meadow Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Meadow Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.3% houses and 17.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadow Heights stood at 27.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.3% and rented dwellings at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,460, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,834. The median weekly rent figure for Meadow Heights was recorded at $346, compared to Melbourne metro's $369. Nationally, Meadow Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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 comprise the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 14.8% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 3.3 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.2.

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 also 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

The analysis shows that there are currently 62 operational public transport stops in Meadow Heights. These stops cater to a variety of bus routes, totaling seven different services. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 1,863.

Residents enjoy excellent accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 177 meters to the nearest stop. On a daily basis, service frequency averages at 266 trips across all routes, translating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Meadow Heights's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Meadow Heights' health data shows relatively positive results with a low prevalence of common conditions among its general population, but higher than national averages for older, at-risk groups. Private health cover is extremely low, with approximately 45% (about 6,767 people) covered, compared to Greater Melbourne's 49.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma and diabetes, affecting 7.2% and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.6% declare no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 76.3%. Meadow Heights has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.6% (2,044 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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, accounting for 52.7% of the population, compared to 24.1% in Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (50.9%), Australian (11.5%), and English (8.9%).

Notably, Lebanese representation is higher at 8.5% than the regional average of 4.2%. Vietnamese and Samoan representations are also significantly different from the region's averages: Vietnamese at 3.6% versus 0.9%, and Samoan at 1.2% compared to 1.3%.

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

At 34 years, Meadow Heights's median age is somewhat lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, and considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Meadow Heights has a higher concentration of 5-14 year-olds at 14.6%, but fewer 35-44 year-olds at 12.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 65-74 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 12.2% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Meadow Heights, with the 65-74 cohort showing the strongest projected growth at 69%, adding 855 residents to reach 2,103.