Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Metung has an estimated 1,912 residents. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years, slower than 88% of areas nationally. Density is about 69 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluations of ABS population adjustments for the region, combined with recent addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Metung has an estimated population of 1,912 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 13 people (0.7%) from the Census in 2021, when 1,899 people were recorded. This variation is calculated from a resident population of 1,889, projected by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP statistics and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 69 persons per square kilometer, which offers plenty of space per resident and opportunity for expansion.
During the last ten years, the suburb of Metung has shown steady expansion with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%, exceeding the SA3 region. Demographic gains in the area were mainly driven by arrivals from other states, which accounted for approximately 78.0% of the total population increase in recent times. ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, are utilized by AreaSearch. For SA2 regions lacking this information, projections are derived from the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted via weighted aggregation of population expansion from the LGA to the SA2 level. Age bracket growth trends from these aggregations are also applied across all regions for the period 2032 to 2041. Regarding future demographic outlooks, a major population expansion placing the area in the highest nationwide regional tier is anticipated, with projections showing an increase of 550 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2 data, representing an overall rise of 27.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
68 new dwellings have been approved in Metung over the past five years, an average of 13 a year. That is 7.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 7, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building permit data allocated to local areas indicate that Metung has average approvals of approximately 13 residential projects each year, with 68 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 7 registered during the current FY-26. Given that an average of 1.2 residents relocated to the region for every finished home over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand and supply seem well-aligned, sustaining stable market parameters, though recent data points to an easing to -1.1 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, indicating improved supply options.
Newly built homes carry an average construction value of $463,000, indicating that builders are focusing on upscale buyers with high-end housing. Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $2.0 million have been logged in the current financial year, highlighting the primarily residential character of the locality. In comparison to the Rest of Vic., construction volume per capita in Metung is 14.0% lower, which puts it in the 54th percentile of all assessed national locations. Additionally, residential construction has consisted entirely of standalone houses, preserving the area's established low-density landscape with a focus on family properties designed for spacious living. Averaging roughly 291 residents for every residential approval, Metung displays the structural attributes of a low-density community. Demographic projections indicate Metung will add 527 residents by 2041 (compared to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch). With current construction trends, the volume of new housing may not keep pace with population growth, which could increase competition among buyers and support upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Metung
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 31 current infrastructure and development projects close to Metung, worth an estimated $1.26 billion. 11 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local performance is heavily shaped by updates to regional infrastructure, key projects, and development plans. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a likely impact on this locality. Significant initiatives in the wider area include the Seadragon Offshore Wind Farm, the Regional Housing Fund Gippsland, the Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade, and Blue Mackerel North, with details on the most relevant developments provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Paynesville Slip Road Maritime Precinct Upgrade
A comprehensive upgrade of the Paynesville maritime precinct involving the replacement of aging seawalls and the construction of new jetties to provide approximately 40 new berths. The project includes a significant expansion of the boat ramp to be longer and deeper, enhanced car and boat trailer parking, and the creation of new boardwalks and pedestrian pathways. Integrated landscaping and drainage improvements are also being implemented to support regional tourism and the local marine industry.
Shearwater Residential Development (59-Lot Stage)
Proposal by Resi Ventures for the first stage of the Shearwater development, which involves a 59-lot residential subdivision on 10.702 hectares. The project includes roads, paths, landscaping, a public reserve, drainage, stormwater treatment, and habitat creation for environmental protection. It is a Controlled Action under the EPBC Act due to potential impacts on Latham Snipe and the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site. The wider Shearwater project is ultimately planned for 485 lots.
Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub
Redevelopment of the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club into a multi-purpose community hub. The facility will serve as a home for water sports and community groups, featuring boat storage, meeting rooms, social spaces, a public deck, and a function hall. As of January 2026, the project is in the final design refinement phase with the Project Reference Group before moving to tender.
Palm Lake Resort Paynesville
Luxury over-50s resort-style community featuring 195 designer homes, a world-class Latitude Country Club with extensive amenities including Milon Gymnasium, pools, cinema, and bowling green in a lakeside setting. The resort is currently under construction, with an estimated completion date of 2027.
Paynesville Growth Area Structure Plan (C172egip)
Amendment C172egip implements the Paynesville Growth Area Structure Plan (PGASP) into the East Gippsland Planning Scheme. It rezones land from Farming Zone to General Residential Zone to accommodate approximately 1,375 new homes and associated community and commercial uses over a 30-year horizon.
Encore Living Paynesville
A resort-style, pet-friendly retirement village for independent over-50s in the Gippsland Lakes region, featuring 93 two- and three-bedroom villas and a community hub with a salt-chlorinated indoor pool, gym, lounge, and dining areas. Construction on display villas and the village has commenced, with an expanded plan for up to 130 independent living units.
Paynesville Water Recycling Plant Winter Storage Project
Construction of a new 300 megalitre winter storage lagoon and associated transfer infrastructure at the Paynesville Water Recycling Plant. The project expands recycled water storage capacity to improve wet weather wastewater management, protect local waterways and support future growth across Paynesville, Eagle Point, Raymond Island, Newlands Arm and Banksia Peninsula. The project was delivered by Max Bright and Sons for East Gippsland Water and completed before winter 2026.
Lakes Entrance Slipway Redevelopment
Transformation of a 5,400 square metre former slipway site operating from 1948-2005 into a vibrant public waterfront precinct featuring tiered timber decking, two restored historic winch sheds converted into art galleries, food and beverage outlets, outdoor markets, community event spaces, public amenities, and accessible ramps. Managed by the Slipway Collective, this multi-use destination celebrates local maritime heritage while fostering arts, culture, and hospitality to enhance tourism and community wellbeing.
813 residents of Metung are employed, from a labour force of 838. Unemployment sits at 3.0%, with participation at 49.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,661, about 87% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Metung possesses a qualified labor force with strong representations in key service industries, an unemployment rate of only 3.0%, and an annual job growth estimated at 3.8% based on compiled regional data. In March 2026, there are 813 employed residents, and the local jobless rate is 0.7% lower than the 3.7% recorded in Regional Vic., though participation in the workforce is notably lower (49.3% relative to 61.1% in Regional Vic.). Census records indicate that a moderate 22.8% of employed locals worked from home, though this data may be influenced by lockdowns related to Covid-19.
The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, construction, and hospitality & food services. The area shows a distinct specialization in hospitality & food services, where the employment concentration is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, primary industries like agriculture, forestry & fishing are underrepresented, occupying only 3.9% of the local workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional Vic.. Comparing the count of local jobs at the Census to the resident workforce indicates that local employment opportunities are somewhat scarce. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated across broader statistical areas indicates that over the 12-month period, local employment rose by 3.8% while the labor force expanded by 3.6%, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw employment drop by 0.1%, the labor force contract by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate fall by 0.2 percentage points. Employment projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective local demand. These five and ten-year projections have been integrated with the local industry profile to estimate employment paths. Nationally, jobs are expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry weightings to the local employment structure suggest local jobs could rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (this represents a basic weighted extrapolation for comparison and does not account for local population changes).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Metung is $1,219 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $617 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $42,639 a year against an average of $54,985. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The suburb of Metung has a median taxpayer income of $42,639 and an average of $54,985, based on financial year 2023 ATO postcode statistics compiled by AreaSearch. This is lower than the nationwide average, contrasting with Regional Vic. which recorded a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates point to roughly $46,741 for the median and $60,275 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Metung all rank between the 13th and 14th percentiles nationally.
The largest income bracket contains 33.0% of taxpayers earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (630 residents), differing from the wider region where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Though living costs are relatively low, allowing residents to retain 89.1% of their earnings, total disposable income sits in the 20th percentile nationally, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Metung had 810 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 27% are owned with a mortgage, 15% rented and 58% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $346 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 28.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Metung consisted of 97.9% standalone houses and 2.1% alternative dwellings (townhouses, flats, and other housing units), compared to Regional Vic. which recorded 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Metung was significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 57.9%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (26.8%) or rented (15.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was lower than the regional average at $1,300, whereas the median weekly rent was $346, compared to Regional Vic.
figures of $1,430 and $285. On a national level, home loan payments in Metung are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Metung counted 810 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 16% are couples with children, fewer than in 93% of areas nationally, against 50% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 72.0%, consisting of 15.9% couples with children, 49.5% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent households. The remaining 28.0% are non-family households, which include lone person residences at 26.2% and group houses at 1.1% of the total. The median size of local households is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
25.0% of adults in Metung hold a university qualification, including 16.6% with a bachelor degree and 5.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 26.8% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 42 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,056 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Local levels of formal education trail regional averages, with 25.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university qualification, compared to 33.4% across VIC. This variance indicates scope for academic growth and skills training. Bachelor degrees represent the largest cohort at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (15.4%) and certificates (26.8%). A significant 20.9% of the local population is enrolled in formal study. This cohort is made up of 7.9% in primary school, 5.7% in secondary school, and 2.2% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Metung means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.1% of residents in Metung report no long-term health condition. 5.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Assessments of local health data indicate favorable outcomes across Metung, according to AreaSearch analyses of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, with both younger and older cohorts displaying low rates of standard health conditions. Private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 49% of the population (~929 people), compared to a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical diagnoses in the region were arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 12.5 and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 60.1% of the population reported no chronic medical issues, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic..
The working-age cohort experiences some notable health difficulties, shown by elevated rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 39.0% of the population (745 people), which exceeds the 23.9% share in Regional Vic.. Seniors in the area enjoy particularly strong health outcomes, ranking higher than the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Metung is largely Australian-born, at 81.2% of residents, with 3.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (36.4%) and Australian (26.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Metung ranks below average for cultural diversity, with 81.2% of residents born in Australia, 89.9% holding citizenship, and 96.9% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.2% of the local population. However, the most pronounced disproportion is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.4% of residents, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic.. Looking at heritage (parents' place of birth), the three most common backgrounds in Metung are English at 36.4% of the population (notably higher than the regional level of 30.7%), Australian at 26.6%, and Scottish at 10.6%.
There are also distinct variations in other backgrounds: Dutch heritage is overrepresented at 2.2% (relative to 1.7% regionally), Welsh heritage at 0.8% (relative to 0.4%), and Hungarian ancestry at 0.4% (relative to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Metung is 59, older than 98% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 12.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 59, Metung's population is much older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., Metung has a higher proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 age group (24.0%) but fewer young adults in the 15 - 24 bracket (6.1%). This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is significantly higher than the national share of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census estimates indicate that the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 10.9% to 13.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age bracket grew from 8.2% to 10.0%.
In contrast, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 20.8% to 18.7%, and the 65 to 74 cohort dropped from 25.9% to 24.0%. Looking toward 2041, demographic projections indicate notable changes in local age groups, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow the most at 46%, adding 88 residents to reach a total of 280.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Metung
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 60 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,899 at the 2021 Census → 1,912 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL21673). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.