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 of November 2025, the estimated population of Mernda is around 26,282, reflecting an increase of 2,913 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 12.5% rise from the previous population count of 23,369 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 25,564, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 456 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,103 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mernda's population growth of 12.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded both national (8.9%) 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 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, adjusting them 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. Future trends predict exceptional growth for Mernda, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 17,456 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 63.7% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Mernda averaged approximately 149 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 745 homes. As of FY26, 49 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 4.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built. This high demand-to-supply ratio typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new dwellings in Mernda is $407,000, below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $849,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mernda has significantly less development activity, with 55.0% fewer approvals per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction comprises 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 174 people added per dwelling approval, Mernda reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mernda is projected to add 16,738 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Mernda 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 34 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects are Mernda Town Centre, Mernda Community Hospital, Regional Sports Precinct Mernda, and Mernda Rise Estate. The following list details projects of particular relevance.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Mernda ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Mernda has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%.

In the past year, estimated employment growth was 2.4%. As of June 2025, 14,043 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation in Mernda is 71.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration, with levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 5.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, labour force grew by 1.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% expansion 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.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 indicates that median income in Mernda was $54,995, with an average income of $63,145. This is below Greater Melbourne's figures, which were a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from July 2022 to September 2025, current estimates suggest median income in Mernda would be approximately $61,682, with an average income of around $70,823 by that date. The 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes in Mernda are at the 64th percentile nationally. Income brackets reveal that the largest segment comprises 41.9% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (11,012 residents), similar to patterns seen at regional levels where 32.8% fall within this range. High housing costs consume 18.0% of income in Mernda, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 63rd percentile nationally, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 6th decile.

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

Mernda's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 89.3% houses and 10.7% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Melbourne metro had 87.2% houses and 12.8% others. Home ownership in Mernda was 14.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.0% and rented at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,937, above Melbourne's $1,900 average. Median weekly rent in Mernda was $381, compared to Melbourne's $371. Nationally, Mernda's repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than 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 constitute 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 2.9.

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

Educational qualifications in Mernda trail regional benchmarks; 31.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (21.0%).

Educational participation is notably high; 34.0% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of seven schools operates within Mernda, educating approximately 3,743 students as of the latest available data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1060). The educational mix includes three primary schools, one secondary school, and three K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Mernda shows that there are 82 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. In total, 9 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 11,377 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located approximately 253 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages around 1,625 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 138 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mernda's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Mernda's health outcomes show exceptional results, with younger cohorts having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of approximately March 2021, about 52% (~13,619 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 49.8%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and mental health issues (6.9%), while 76.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. As of March 2021, about 9.2% (~2,417 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 13.2%. However, seniors' health outcomes require more attention 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 main religion in Mernda, comprising 47.0% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Mernda compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 9.9% versus 6.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.2%), Other (17.9%), and English (16.7%). Macedonian, Indian, and Sri Lankan ethnic groups are also notably overrepresented in Mernda compared to the regional averages of 4.6%, 6.2%, and 0.8% respectively.

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 national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mernda has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (21.2%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.3%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has increased from 11.2% to 12.8%, while those aged 75 to 84 have grown from 2.2% to 3.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 16.5% to 13.6%, and those aged 0 to 4 have dropped from 9.6% to 7.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Mernda, with the 45 to 54 age group projected to grow by 112%, adding 3,782 residents and reaching a total of 7,147.