Suburb profile · Greater Melbourne
Pakenham has an estimated 58,052 residents, up 7.3% since the 2021 Census, with 14 projects tracked in Pakenham.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Located 53 kilometres east-southeast from Melbourne CBD, the suburb of Pakenham has an estimated population of around 58,052 as of Aug 2026, based on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released yearly and national address file data updated each quarter. This represents growth of 3,934 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 54,118 people. Residents include a high proportion of children and working-age people, with notable representation among those aged 35 to 44 and an elevated share aged 0 to 4. Household size is above average, and mortgage holders are strongly represented.
In population growth, the area ranks in the top 10% nationally. These patterns highlight the suburb’s growing population, substantial family presence and distinctive workforce profile.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 20,081 in 2006 and 56,919 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 58,052 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 17.1%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 39.9%.
Pakenham ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally for population growth and the 82nd for development activity.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Pakenham is $537 a week, up 9.8% over 12 months to Sep 2025 and 9% below Greater Melbourne.
9% below Greater Melbourne on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $411 in 2022, $548 in 2025; Units (dashed orange line): $345 in 2022, $470 in 2025. The latest is to Sep 2025.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $537 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +9.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, houses | $548 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +8.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, units | $470 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +15.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Cardinia | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Cardinia, over 12 months | +3.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Melbourne - South East | $579 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Melbourne - South East, over 12 months | +3.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Greater Melbourne | $587 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Melbourne, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, VIC | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, VIC, over 12 months | +4.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 538 tracked applications: 363 approved, 20 under assessment, 155 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 14 projects in Pakenham (8 under construction) and 118 more in the surrounding area.
The Pakenham Community Hospital is a dedicated public healthcare facility being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in…
Stage 1 delivers the Main Street Gateway streetscape upgrade between Drake Place and the Henty Street roundabout.
Approved redevelopment and refurbishment of Pakenham Place Shopping Centre by Banco Group and Leaf Corporation.
Enterprise Industry Park is a 27ha masterplanned industrial estate in Melbourne's south-east developed by ESR Australia in partnership with…
A masterplanned residential community in Pakenham East featuring 500+ homes with a central park, playground, green belt, and natural…
Boutique greenfield subdivision in central Pakenham delivering 202 house and land lots alongside an 11,000 sqm local commercial precinct.
Masterplanned residential community in Pakenham East for approximately 3,200 residents.
A 630 hectare masterplanned greenfield community on the eastern edge of Pakenham delivering around 7,200 homes for more than 22,000…
Large masterplanned residential community in Pakenham East delivering 3,000+ lots with a future town centre, schools, community facilities…
Three-stage road upgrade in Pakenham comprising upgrades to the Princes Freeway interchanges, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road.
Major infrastructure project that removed the dangerous and congested level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street, and Racecourse Road in…
Stockland Averley is a masterplanned residential community in the Pakenham East growth corridor comprising around 1,555 homesites.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 68 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 3, 2026 22, 2027 16, 2028 10, 2029 2, 2030 7, 2031 1, 2032 3, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 3, 2036 1. 12 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 538 substantial development applications lodged in and around Pakenham over the past 5 years, 145 in the last 12 months; 20 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 0, 2022 93, 2023 98, 2024 103, 2025 117, 2026 (to Oct) 127.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 538 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 145 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 4.5 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 57th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 246 | ABS building approvals | 94th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 363 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 20 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Pakenham include: Pakenham Community Hospital (Construction); Pakenham Place Shopping Centre Redevelopment (Approved); Kala Estate (Construction); The Rise Estate - Pakenham (Construction); and Pakenham Revitalisation Project - Stage 1 (Main Street Gateway) (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Pakenham spans multiple sectors including Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, Transport & Logistics, and Residential Development, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Pakenham among the top 18% of areas assessed nationwide.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Pakenham area has seen 587 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Pakenham's current population of 58,052 has been supported by 246 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Pakenham has seen 4.5 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 8.7 approvals in Greater Melbourne. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 193 people in the suburb of Pakenham, compared to one for every 121 in Greater Melbourne.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Pakenham's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 246, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Pakenham has grown by approximately 2,397 people, while 1,231 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.9 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Pakenham lies within the top 7% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,052 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +7.3% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 676 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 45th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +2.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 54,118 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 3,934 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 85.85 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Pakenham was estimated to be approximately 58,052 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 56,919 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Pakenham has added approximately 3,934 people and shown a 7.27% increase from the 54,118 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Pakenham is estimated at 676 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Pakenham has shown a compound annual growth rate of 2.2% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Pakenham is driven by: Natural increase (54.0%), Overseas migration (46.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Natural increase, contributing 54.0% of overall population gains.
Pakenham's young demographic places it in the bottom 14% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 33 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 14th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 12.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 22.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 28.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 52.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 33 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 7.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 14.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 16.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 17.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 8.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 6.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 4.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Pakenham at 33 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 33 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 33 years as at August 2026, Pakenham is 4 years younger than the Greater Melbourne 2021 Census average (37 years) and 5 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Pakenham compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 14.8% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Pakenham compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 55 - 64 group, making up 8.3% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Pakenham show significant variance compared to Greater Melbourne. The most over-represented age group is 0-4 year-olds (7.7% vs 5.6%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 22.5% of the population in the suburb of Pakenham as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 12.7% of the population in the suburb of Pakenham as at August 2026.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $56,825 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 40th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $63,701 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,664 | 2021 Census, weekly | 45th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $783 | 2021 Census, weekly | 45th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 15.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,879 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 20.1% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Pakenham is approximately $60,575. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $56,825.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Pakenham is approximately $67,905. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $63,701.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Pakenham is approximately $60,575 compared to $63,783 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $56,825 and $59,834 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Pakenham is approximately $67,905 compared to $83,612 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $63,701 and $78,435 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Pakenham's households (~39.9% / 7,353 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Pakenham is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 39.9% of households. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.8% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Pakenham is $1,664/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Pakenham is $1,879/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Pakenham is $783/wk.
The suburb of Pakenham's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The suburb of Pakenham's median income among taxpayers is $56,825 and the average income stands at $63,701, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $59,834 and $78,435 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.6% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $60,575 (median) and $67,905 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Pakenham is $5,885 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Pakenham's disposable income is $5,885 compared to $6,948 for Greater Melbourne, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The employment landscape in Pakenham shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 71.4% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 29,714 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 50,574 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 31,524 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Pakenham has approximately 29,714 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 5.7%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Pakenham stands at 5.7%, which is 1.0 percentage points above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Pakenham is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (15.3% of employment), construction (12.7%), and retail trade (11.4%). Other significant employers include manufacturing and education & training.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Pakenham has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Pakenham is 71.4%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Melbourne average of 70.1%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Melbourne.
The suburb of Pakenham shows notable specialisation in manufacturing, which employs 11.1% of the local workforce compared to 7.2% across Greater Melbourne. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The suburb of Pakenham's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.6% decline, ranking 28th out of 37 regions nationally.
Educational attainment in Pakenham sits close to the middle of locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 13.6% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.8% | 2021 Census | 48th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 20.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 27.0% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.2% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 12.7% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 39.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 32.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 12.6% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 7.7% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
20.6% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Pakenham have university qualifications, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne.
39.7% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Pakenham have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.2% in Greater Melbourne.
The suburb of Pakenham ranks in the 54th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Pakenham are: Certificate (27.0%), Bachelor Degree (13.6%), Advanced Diploma (12.7%).
32.7% of the population in the suburb of Pakenham is currently engaged in formal education, including 12.6% in primary school, 7.7% in secondary school, 3.9% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Pakenham is 1002, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 13 schools within the suburb of Pakenham, with a combined enrollment of approximately 9,329 students.
The suburb of Pakenham includes 7 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, 2 combined schools.
Pakenham features high concentrations of single parent families and couples with children but relatively few couples without children, with a larger average household size than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.8 people | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 21.6% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 37.0% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 22.8% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 14.7% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.8% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 18,448 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 19,789 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 75.6% | 2021 Census | 66th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.6 per family | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Pakenham had 18,448 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 7.3% to an estimated 19,789 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Pakenham is 2.8 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Melbourne and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 75.6% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (21.6%), group households (2.8%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 13,947 family households, couples with children account for 37.0% of all households, couples without children at home 22.8%, and single parent families 14.7%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Melbourne, the suburb of Pakenham shows distinct household patterns. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the suburb of Pakenham have an average of 1.6 children, slightly above the Greater Melbourne average of 1.4. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 46.2% of the adult population are currently married, while 36.9% have never married. This compares to 47.0% married and 38.0% never married across Greater Melbourne.
Single-person households represent 21.6% of all households in the suburb of Pakenham, similar to the average for Greater Melbourne of 24.8%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.8% of households, below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.3%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Pakenham was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 29.4% | 2021 Census | 62nd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 24.5% | 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 75.5% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 82.6% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 70.6% | 2021 Census | 37th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.9% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
Pakenham was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 29.4% of its population born overseas and 24.5% speaking a language other than English at home.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Pakenham, at 40.8% of people, although more residents (44.4%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 4.8% of the population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Pakenham are English, comprising 25.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Melbourne's 20.1%, Australian, comprising 24.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Melbourne's 18.4%, and Other, comprising 14.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.3% of Pakenham (vs 1.2% across Greater Melbourne), Sri Lankan at 1.1% (vs 0.8%) and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).
29.4% of the suburb of Pakenham population was born overseas, compared to 37.3% across Greater Melbourne.
24.5% of the population in the suburb of Pakenham speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 35.9% in Greater Melbourne.
0.9% of the suburb of Pakenham population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 0.5% in Greater Melbourne.
82.6% of the suburb of Pakenham population holds citizenship, compared to 81.1% in Greater Melbourne.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Pakenham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 32.1% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 19.5% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 86.4% | 2021 Census | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,733 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 46th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 48.3% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 12.7% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $351 | 2021 Census, weekly | 44th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 21.1% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 54th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 24.0% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 50th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Pakenham, 19.5% of homes are owned outright, 48.3% are owned with a mortgage, and 32.1% are rented.
According to the latest data, 86.4% of dwellings in the suburb of Pakenham are houses.
In the suburb of Pakenham, 0.6% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 12.7% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Pakenham stands at 19.5%, compared to 30.7% in Greater Melbourne.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Pakenham is $1,733, compared to $2,000 in Greater Melbourne.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Pakenham is $1,325, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Pakenham, households with mortgages typically spend 24.0% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 21.1% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Pakenham is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Pakenham shows mortgage holders spending 24.0% of income on repayments (vs 24.3% in Greater Melbourne), while renters spend 21.1% of income on rent (vs 20.5% in Greater Melbourne).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Pakenham consists of 86.4% detached houses, 12.7% semi-detached dwellings, 0.6% apartments, and 0.3% other dwelling types.
Housing in Pakenham consumes approximately 18.4% of median household income ($7,205 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Pakenham show attached dwellings contributing 21% of approvals compared to 14% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 79% of applications versus 86% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Density increases remain below national trends.
Health performance in Pakenham is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 50.3% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 30th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 69.5% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 5.6% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 75.0% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.5% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
Around 50.3% of people in the suburb of Pakenham are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.5% in Greater Melbourne.
In the suburb of Pakenham, 5.6% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.5% of people in Greater Melbourne require similar assistance.
9.0% of people in the suburb of Pakenham are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.3% of the population across Greater Melbourne is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 4.5% of the suburb of Pakenham population, while in Greater Melbourne, 4.1% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.1% of people in the suburb of Pakenham have heart disease. Across Greater Melbourne,3.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Pakenham, 50.3% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Melbourne sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.5%.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 52 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 174 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 90th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 6,223 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 85th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 334 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 14 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.5 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 17.9% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 174 public transport stops within the suburb of Pakenham.
The suburb of Pakenham has 6,223 weekly trips across 14 routes, averaging 889 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 273 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 574 m away and the nearest school 800 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 174 stops nearby, 6,223 weekly trips, access rating 52 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 68 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 68th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 574 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 800 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 987 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest GP | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 2.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 2.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 2.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 2.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 21 long day care centres with 2,489 places in Pakenham, about 1.8 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Pakenham among the top 18% of areas assessed nationwide.
Pakenham ranks in the 34th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Pakenham is $537 a week, +9.8% over 12 months to Sep 2025.
Pakenham lies within the top 7% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends.
Pakenham's young demographic places it in the bottom 14% of areas nationwide.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
The employment landscape in Pakenham shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators.
Educational attainment in Pakenham sits close to the middle of locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and performance metrics.
Pakenham features high concentrations of single parent families and couples with children but relatively few couples without children, with a larger average household size than Greater Melbourne.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Pakenham was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Pakenham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
Health performance in Pakenham is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Pakenham has an estimated 58,052 residents, up 7.3% since the 2021 Census, with 14 projects tracked in Pakenham.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Pakenham.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2025, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
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 a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22027). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Pakenham from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Pakenham with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
