Mernda

Mernda lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the population of Mernda is estimated at around 26,361 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,992 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,369. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 25,564 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 468 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,106 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mernda's growth rate of 12.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Exceptional future growth is predicted, placing the suburb in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally, with an expected increase of 17,456 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 63.2% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Mernda was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Mernda averaged around 149 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 745 homes. So far in FY-26, 64 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.7 new residents per year are associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $407,000. There have also been $849,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Mernda records markedly lower building activity, with 55.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties.

New building activity shows 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 174 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Mernda will gain 16,659 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects that may influence the region. Notable initiatives include Mernda Town Centre, Regional Sports Precinct Mernda, Mernda Rise Estate, and River Run. The following details projects likely to have the most impact.

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.

The employment environment in Mernda shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Mernda's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the preceding year was estimated at 1.1%.

As of September 2025, 14,274 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Mernda was 76.0%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 23.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance was notably concentrated, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services were under-represented, comprising only 5.6% of Mernda's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities were suggested by the count of working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, employment increased by 1.1%, and labour force grew by 0.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced higher employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a slight rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mernda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 indicates that Mernda's median income is $54,995 and average income is $63,145. This is below Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on an 8.25% increase from Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,532 (median) and $68,354 (average). According to Census 2021 data, Mernda's household, family, and personal incomes fall around the 64th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 41.9% of locals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to the broader area where 32.8% fall into this category. Housing costs consume 18.0% of income in Mernda. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 63rd percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mernda is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Mernda, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mernda stood at 14.7%, with mortgaged properties at 57.0% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,937, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Mernda was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Mernda's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,937 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $381 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 83.2% of all households, including 48.5% couples with children, 20.0% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 16.8%, with lone person households at 15.0% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Mernda shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mernda's educational qualifications trail Greater Melbourne's regional benchmarks, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the regional average of 37.0%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement in Mernda. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 21.0%.

Educational participation is high in Mernda, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mernda has 82 active public transport stops, all bus services. Nine routes operate collectively offering 8,016 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good with residents typically 252 meters from the nearest stop. Commuting patterns show most residents travel outward, primarily by car (88%). Train use is 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above regional average.

In 2021 Census data, 23.1% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,145 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 97 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mernda'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

Mernda's health data shows positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national averages, but some common health issues are more prevalent among older residents at risk.

Private health cover is relatively low at 52% (~13,660 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common conditions, affecting 7.3% and 6.9% respectively. 76.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.7% (2,557 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Mernda has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.4% of its population born overseas and 40.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mernda, accounting for 47.0% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 9.9% of the population compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.2%), Other (17.9%), and English (16.7%). Macedonian (2.8%) and Indian (9.1%) groups are significantly overrepresented in Mernda compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 4.2%, respectively. Sri Lankan ancestry is also notably higher at 1.1%.

Mernda's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Mernda's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mernda has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (20.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.0%). This 35-44 age group concentration is well above the national average of 14.3%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, Mernda's residents have aged by an average of 1.1 years, with the median age rising from 33 to 34 years. Specifically, the 45-54 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.4% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.2% to 3.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 16.5% to 13.0%, and the 0-4 age group dropped from 9.6% to 7.5%. Population forecasts for Mernda indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 102%, adding 3,614 residents to reach a total of 7,147.