Metung

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

The estimated population of the suburb of Metung is around 2,140 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,899 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,986 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 77 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 12.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (6.5%) and the Rest of Vic., marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecasted for the top quartile of national regional areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 627 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 22.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Metung when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Metung shows around 18 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 93 homes. In FY26 so far, eight approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents arrived per year for each new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this has moderated to 0.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting an improved supply-demand balance. New properties are constructed at an average value of $463,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This year, $2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Metung has moderately higher building activity, with 17.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. All new construction consists of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

With around 101 people per dwelling approval, Metung exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Metung is projected to add 473 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Metung has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Seadragon Offshore Wind Farm, Regional Housing Fund Gippsland, Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade, and Blue Mackerel North. The following list provides details on those most likely to be 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.

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

Metung has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4%. As of December 2025836 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.5% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation lagged at 48.9%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. A moderate 22.8% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Metung has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 3.9% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 6.4%, alongside labour force increasing by 6.1%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Metung's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Metung had a median taxpayer income of $42,639 and an average income of $54,985 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below the national averages of $50,954 for median income and $62,728 for average income in Regional Vic. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,157 (median) and $59,521 (average), based on an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows Metung's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 13th and 14th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Metung comprises 33.0% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (706 residents), unlike broader area trends where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest, with 89.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 20th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Metung's dwelling structure in its latest Census comprised 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Metung stood at 57.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.8% and rented dwellings at 15.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $346, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Metung's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $346 than the national figure of $375.

Metung has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.0% of all households, including 15.9% couples with children, 49.5% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Metung exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Metung trail's educational qualifications lag behind Victorian regional benchmarks. 25.0% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the state average of 33.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%).

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 15.4% and certificates for 26.8%. A significant proportion of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 7.9% in primary, 5.7% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Metung's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Metung. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, showing low prevalence among both young and old age cohorts for common health conditions.

Private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,040 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (impacting 12.5% of residents) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 60.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Metung has 37.1% of residents aged 65 and over (793 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

Metung is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Metung's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 81.2% born in Australia, 89.9% being citizens, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 44.2%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, English (36.4%) and Australian (26.6%) were the top groups, both higher than regional averages. Scottish ancestry stood at 10.6%. Dutch (2.2%), Welsh (0.8%), and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities were notably overrepresented compared to regional figures.

Metung ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Metung's median age in 2021 was 59, notably higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., Metung had a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (23.3%), but fewer individuals aged 25-34 (6.3%). This 65-74 concentration was significantly higher than the national figure of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data revealed a decrease in median age from 60 to 59, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Specifically, the 35-44 age group grew from 8.2% to 10.1%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 4.8% to 6.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort decreased from 25.9% to 23.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 20.8% to 19.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Metung's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to increase by 83 people (39%) from 214 to 297. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows modestly by 10% (13 people).