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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
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Metung has an estimated 1,927 residents, up from 1,899 at the 2021 Census — a change of 28 people, or 1.5%. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years, slower than 84% of areas nationally. Density is about 70 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
The suburb of Metung has a population estimate of around 1,927 as of Aug 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This figure shows an increase of 28 people, or 1.5%, compared to the 2021 Census count of 1,899 people. The adjustment is derived from a resident population of 1,886, as estimated by AreaSearch after reviewing the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, plus 61 newly validated addresses since the Census date. This population level corresponds to a density ratio of 69 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per individual and possibilities for additional development.
Over the past decade, the suburb of Metung has shown resilient growth patterns with a 2.8% compound annual growth rate, which exceeds the SA3 area. Population expansion in the region has been mainly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 78.0% of total population gains in recent times. Projections for the suburb of Metung incorporate ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 modeling published in 2024 (using 2022 as its base), supplemented where necessary by 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections converted to SA2 scales via weighted growth aggregation. Age-specific growth rates from these datasets are applied to local projections spanning 2032 to 2041. These demographic outlooks place the suburb of Metung in the top quartile of non-metropolitan growth locations, with aggregated SA2 figures pointing to an expansion of 532 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 25.5% over the 16-year projection horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
50 new dwellings have been approved in Metung over the past five years, an average of 10 a year. That is 5.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 9, broadly in line with 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
Statistical area allocations of ABS building approvals analysed by AreaSearch show that Metung has averaged roughly 10 residential approvals annually, amounting to around 50 homes across the past 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 9 approvals have been logged. The balance between supply and demand has remained steady, averaging 1.5 new residents per constructed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, before shifting to -0.6 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years to indicate improved stock availability. Residential building approvals reflect an average construction value of $461,000 per dwelling.
In addition, non-residential activity has been subdued, with $2.0 million in commercial development approvals recorded during the current financial year. Per capita residential development approvals in Metung track at approximately three-quarters of the level observed across Rest of Vic., positioning the locality in the 70th percentile across the country. All newly approved residential building work consists exclusively of detached houses, sustaining the neighbourhood's low-density profile and appealing to purchasers seeking stand-alone properties. Overall planning density shows around 172 people per dwelling approval. Long-term forecasts indicate that Metung will add 491 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should residential building proceed at its historical pace, new housing supply could fall short of demographic expansion, potentially intensifying purchaser demand and placing upward pressure on property 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 13 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 infrastructure projects and strategic planning frameworks play a key role in shaping regional performance. Across Metung, AreaSearch has identified no major infrastructure projects likely to directly impact the immediate area. Notable regional initiatives under consideration include the Seadragon Offshore Wind Farm, the Regional Housing Fund Gippsland, the Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade, and Blue Mackerel North.
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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.
816 residents of Metung are employed, from a labour force of 840. Unemployment sits at 2.9%, with participation at 49.5%. 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 1,676, 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 maintains a skilled local workforce with solid coverage across essential service industries, recording an unemployment rate of 2.9% and a 3.7% annual rise in estimated employment based on AreaSearch statistical aggregations. March 2026 figures show 816 employed residents, with local unemployment sitting 0.8% below the Regional Vic. benchmark of 3.7%. However, workforce participation stands at 49.5%, noticeably lower than the 61.1% recorded for Regional Vic.. Census data indicated that 22.8% of local workers operated from home, though this figure reflects the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Resident employment is primarily concentrated across health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food.
In particular, accommodation & food demonstrates an exceptional local profile, employing staff at 1.6 times the Regional Vic. proportion. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 3.9% of workers in Metung, trailing the 7.5% regional share. Comparing resident counts with Census working population figures suggests a relatively constrained volume of jobs located within the immediate area. ABS and SALM statistical aggregations from AreaSearch reveal that over the 12-month period, Metung registered a 3.7% increase in employment alongside a 3.3% expansion in the labour force, bringing down the local jobless rate by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded a 0.1% decline in employment, a 0.3% reduction in the labour pool, and a 0.2 percentage point fall in unemployment. According to Mar-26 national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia mapped to local sector shares, broader Australian employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry trajectories vary considerably. When these sectoral rates are applied purely as an illustrative weighting exercise against Metung's workforce distribution (excluding local demographic projections), local employment is modeled to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.
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
According to the financial year 2023 ATO postcode dataset released by AreaSearch, taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Metung show a median income of $42,639 and an average of $54,985, sitting beneath both national levels and Regional Vic. averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average). Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of roughly $46,741 for median earnings and $60,275 for average earnings as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places Metung's household, family, and individual incomes between the 13th and 14th percentiles across Australia.
The most common income bracket locally is $800 - 1,499 per week, accounting for 33.0% of earners (635 residents), whereas the broader region is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 band at 30.3%. Although local households retain 89.1% of income after housing expenses, total disposable earnings place in the 20th percentile nationally, and the suburb sits in the 5th decile on the SEIFA income index.
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
Residential stock in Metung at the most recent Census was overwhelmingly dominated by separate houses at 97.9%, with apartments, semi-detached dwellings, and alternative housing types making up 2.1%, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic.. Fully owned properties accounted for 57.9% of homes, substantially exceeding regional levels, while mortgaged residences represented 26.8% and rental accommodation comprised 15.3%. Housing costs remain comparatively low: the median monthly mortgage payment was $1,300 versus $1,430 across Regional Vic. and $1,863 nationally, while the median weekly rent stood at $346 compared to $285 in Regional Vic.
and $375 across Australia.
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
Family arrangements constitute 72.0% of all households in the area, led by couples without children at 49.5%, followed by couples with children at 15.9% and single parent families at 6.8%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 28.0%, consisting of single-person households at 26.2% and group living situations at 1.1%. Overall, the median household size is 2.1 people, tracking below 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
Tertiary attainment in Metung sits below the broader state, with 25.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a higher education degree compared to 33.4% across VIC. Bachelor degrees form the largest category at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational qualifications are well represented across the community, with 42.2% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, comprising certificates (26.8%) and advanced diplomas (15.4%). Across the locality, 20.9% of residents are engaged in formal study. This student cohort includes 7.9% enrolled in primary education, 5.7% attending secondary school, and 2.2% undertaking tertiary studies.
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
Health indicators across Metung remain positive based on AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and chronic disease trends, with both younger cohorts and senior demographics displaying low incidences of standard medical ailments. Meanwhile, private health insurance uptake is comparatively low, covering approximately 49% of residents (~937 people) against the national benchmark of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent reported illnesses, affecting 12.5% and 8.1% of residents respectively, while 60.1% of the community reported having no medical conditions, close to the 63.4% share across Regional Vic.. Chronic condition rates are somewhat higher among working-age residents, while older cohorts—who make up 40.7% of the population aged 65 and over (784 people), compared to 24.0% in Regional Vic.—record strong health outcomes that exceed general population benchmarks 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
Cultural diversity in Metung sits below wider averages, with 81.2% of residents born in Australia, 89.9% holding citizenship, and 96.9% speaking only English in the home. Christianity represents the most common religious affiliation, encompassing 44.2% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented locally, comprising 0.4% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic.. English ancestry is the most common parental background in Metung at 36.4% of the population, well above the 30.7% regional rate, followed by Australian ancestry at 26.6% and Scottish background at 10.6%. Other distinctive ancestries showing higher representation than regional figures include Dutch at 2.2% (against 1.7% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (against 0.4%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (against 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. 11.2% 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
The demographic structure of the suburb of Metung clearly reflects its status as a lifestyle and retirement community. People aged 65+ make up 40.7% of the population as at August 2026, compared to 24.0% across Regional Vic., while younger cohorts aged 0 - 24 represent 17.9% against a regional benchmark of 28.5%. The estimated median age stands at 59 as at August 2026, down slightly from 60 at the 2021 Census, but 16 years older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and well above the national median of 38 at that Census.
Residents aged 45 - 64 have reduced their share from 31.5% at the Census to an estimated 28.8%, yet this cohort is projected to generate the largest numerical expansion by 2041, increasing by 135 residents (24%) to reach 690. The fastest proportional growth is anticipated among adults aged 25 - 44, which is forecast to surge by 47% to 405 persons.
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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 61 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,899 at the 2021 Census → 1,927 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 Aug 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.