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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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Plenty (Vic.) has an estimated 2,632 residents, up from 2,575 at the 2021 Census — a change of 57 people, or 2.2%. That puts 240 residents on each 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
Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with updated addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) is estimated to have a population of 2,632 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 57 people (2.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,575 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 2,632, projected by AreaSearch after examining the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS alongside 28 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This population size results in a density of 239 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and capacity for future housing expansion. The 2.2% expansion of the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) since the 2021 census was quicker than the SA3 area (1.8%), indicating it led the regional market. Expansion in this locality was mostly fueled by net overseas migration, which served as the sole contributor to population gains over the recent period. AreaSearch incorporates regional projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, using 2022 as the base point. For locations where this data is unavailable, projections are sourced from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA releases, scaled from local government area down to SA2 divisions using weighted population growth factors. Age group growth distributions from these models are similarly applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future models suggest the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) will experience growth in line with the top quarter of Australian regions, with a projected increase of 651 persons by 2041 using aggregated SA2 projections, which corresponds to a total rise of 24.7% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
42 new dwellings have been approved in Plenty (Vic.) over the past five years, an average of 8 a year. That is 3.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, 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
Analysis of building permit approvals shows that the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) averages approximately 8 dwellings approved for construction each year, with 42 residential approvals during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, and 4 registered in FY-26. Given that only an average of 0.4 people moved to the area per approved home during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, the volume of new completions is matching or outpacing demand, ensuring buyer choice and providing capacity for growth beyond current projections, while the average expected construction cost for these new homes is $881,000, illustrating a developer focus on high-end properties.
Non-residential development is limited, with $5.5 million in commercial building approvals registered this financial year. In comparison to Greater Melbourne, construction activity in the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) is slightly higher (34.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year period), preserving buyer options and supporting existing housing demand, even though construction pace has slowed recently. This level of activity is lower than the nationwide average, demonstrating a mature housing market and potential construction limits. Furthermore, all recent construction projects have consisted of detached houses, maintaining the low-density character of the area which appeals to buyers seeking space. The ratio of 1317 people per dwelling approval highlights a quiet development landscape. Long-term projections indicate that the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) will add 651 residents by 2041 according to the most recent quarterly estimates. If current building rates do not increase, housing supply may fall short of population gains, which is likely to increase buyer competition and support property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Plenty (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Plenty (Vic.), worth an estimated $410 million. A further 85 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $19.4 billion. 16 are already under construction and 28 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans sports & recreation, residential development and communities, precincts & urban renewal. 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, major works, and planning decisions are key drivers of regional performance. A total of 14 projects have been identified that are expected to influence the suburb of Plenty (Vic.). Key developments include the Plenty River Flood Management Works, St Helena Place, the Mill Park Wetlands Upgrade, and the Plenty Road Duplication.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
St Helena Place
A master-planned residential community featuring approximately 240 homes in St Helena, combining quiet family living with connectivity to urban amenities, including quality schools, shopping centres, wildlife reserves, and parklands.
Plenty River Flood Management Works
Comprehensive flood management program led by Melbourne Water to update flood mapping and planning controls for the Plenty River and Diamond Creek catchments. The project involves utilizing advanced computer modeling and community data to identify high-risk zones, update the Nillumbik Planning Scheme, and inform future mitigation infrastructure such as retarding basins and levees. This data-driven approach aims to improve climate resilience for new developments and emergency response strategies within the shire.
Mill Park Wetlands Upgrade
Melbourne Water is upgrading the Mill Park Wetlands in The Lakes Reserve, South Morang, to enhance stormwater filtration. Stage 1 works, including removal of over 25,000 tonnes of sediment and vegetation, contour reshaping, new inlet and outlet drainage infrastructure, and placement of topsoil and erosion matting, are nearing completion, with final touches such as new walking paths and fence removal continuing through 2025. Stage 2 will revegetate the wetlands with over 120,000 new plants, with planting expected to be completed by late 2026, improving pollutant filtration for Darebin Creek and the Yarra River.
St Helena Place
Master planned community in Melbourne's north east delivering around 240 new homes with parks, wetlands and open space. First residents have moved in and sales are ongoing, with a site sales office operating at the address and staged construction continuing.
Nillumbik Waste Management Facility Upgrade
Upgrade of waste management facilities in Nillumbik area including recycling processing improvements, organic waste processing capabilities, and enhanced environmental monitoring systems.
The Gorge Townhomes
A proposed residential development comprising 56 modern townhouses with 3 and 4 bedroom configurations at 60 Gorge Road, South Morang. Residences feature contemporary design, high-quality finishes, and sustainable building practices. The project is in pre-construction phase with plans and permits approved for 56 townhouses, located adjacent to Morang South Primary School.
The Gorge Townhomes
Proposed townhouse development in the heart of South Morang. Modern architectural design with premium finishes and close proximity to local amenities and transport links. Site previously sold for $6.42M with permit for 36 townhomes.
Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham)
A major upgrade of the Hurstbridge line integrated with the North East Link project. Key milestones include the completion of Melbourne's third longest rail tunnel at Watsonia (500 metres) in late 2025 and the rebuilding of the Grimshaw Street Bridge. The project encompasses track duplication, new stations at Greensborough and Montmorency, and extensive signalling and power upgrades. Final finishing works and rail corridor improvements are continuing into mid-2026 to enhance service frequency and reliability for Melbourne's northeast.
1,617 residents of Plenty (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 1,639. Unemployment sits at 1.3%, with participation at 73.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,016, about 77% 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
The suburb of Plenty (Vic.) has a highly trained workforce with strong representation in construction, an unemployment rate of only 1.3%, and job growth estimated at 2.8% over the past year. As of March 2026, there are 1,617 working residents, and the unemployment rate is 3.4% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. The labor force participation rate stands at 73.7%, compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census records show that 30.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this may reflect pandemic-related restrictions. The major employment sectors for residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.
The local workforce is heavily concentrated in construction, which has a employment share 2.0 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 11.1% compared to the regional benchmark of 14.2%. The area is primarily residential and offers limited employment opportunities within its boundaries, as shown by comparing the local working population with the resident workforce. Employment grew by 2.8 percent during the twelve months leading to March 2026, according to AreaSearch analysis that combined SALM and ABS data from larger statistical regions. The labour force expanded by 3.1 percent in the same period, which pushed the unemployment rate up by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.1 percent and labour force growth of 2.3 percent, with unemployment increasing by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia published national employment forecasts in May-25 that can help understand potential future demand in Plenty. These forecasts span five and ten year horizons and have been overlaid on Plenty's employment structure to project growth trends. National employment is projected to rise by 6.6 percent over five years and by 13.7 percent over ten years, though sectoral growth varies considerably. When these industry-specific expectations are applied to Plenty's job composition, local employment is expected to grow by 6.4 percent over five years and by 13.1 percent over ten years. This projection uses a straightforward weighting method for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Plenty (Vic.) is $3,190 a week (about $166,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,028 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $65,727 a year against an average of $91,347. 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 tax data from financial year 2023, the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) had a median taxpayer income of $65,727 and an average income of $91,347. This ranks among the highest income levels in the country, compared to $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Adjusted for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates are approximately $72,050 for the median and $100,135 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed median weekly household incomes at the 98th percentile ($3,190 weekly). The local earnings profile is dominated by the $4000+ weekly bracket, which accounts for 36.5% of residents (960 people), whereas the metropolitan area is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 32.8%.
High household earnings are common, with 52.8% of households receiving more than $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, households retain 89.9% of their income, indicating high disposable income, and the area ranks in the 9th decile on the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Plenty (Vic.) had 740 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 100% detached houses and 0% apartments. 52% are owned with a mortgage, 3% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $392 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,600 a month. Rent absorbs 12.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.8%. 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 stock in the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) consisted of 100.0% detached houses and no other dwelling types, compared to Greater Melbourne where detached houses make up 67.9% of dwellings and other types comprise 32.1%. The rate of home ownership was high at 45.3%, with 51.5% of homes mortgaged and 3.2% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,600, which is higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $392, compared to $390 across the metropolitan area.
Nationally, mortgage costs are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are above the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Plenty (Vic.) counted 740 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 3.2 people each. 59% are couples with children, more than in 98% of areas nationally, against 25% couples without children. 10% 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 households make up 89.7% of all households in the suburb of Plenty (Vic.). This includes couples with children at 58.8%, couples without children at 24.8%, and single-parent households at 5.1%. Non-family households account for the remaining 10.3%, with lone person households representing 9.6% and group households comprising 0.8%. The average household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
26.2% of adults in Plenty (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 18.4% with a bachelor degree and 5.2% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 83% of areas nationally. A further 21.8% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Plenty (Vic.) has a lower proportion of residents with university qualifications (26.2%) compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Among those with university degrees, bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 32.3% of residents aged 15+ holding these credentials, including 10.5% with advanced diplomas and 21.8% with certificates. A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 30.3% of residents enrolled in an educational institution.
This includes 11.4% in secondary schools, 8.3% in primary schools, and 5.8% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Plenty (Vic.) reaches 10 stops on 4 routes, timetabled for about 1,300 services a week. The typical home sits about 580 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 2.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) consist of 10 bus stops operating across 4 routes, which support 1,349 passenger journeys weekly. The average distance to the nearest stop is 583 meters, which represents moderate accessibility. The area is primarily residential and most workers commute outside the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the main mode of transport for 97% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 2.5 per household, which is higher than the regional average. A total of 30.0% of residents worked from home at the time of the 2021 Census.
Bus services run at an average frequency of 192 daily trips across the network, which averages out to approximately 134 weekly departures from each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
74.4% of residents in Plenty (Vic.) report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 78% of areas nationally. 6.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 62.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.0 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 show positive outcomes in the suburb of Plenty (Vic.), with low rates of mortality and chronic illnesses, particularly among younger residents. The rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 63% of the population (1,653 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common chronic health conditions among residents are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.2% and 6.2% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 74.4% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.3% of the population (507 people), which is higher than the metropolitan average of 15.0%.
Health outcomes for seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the younger cohorts in the suburb.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Plenty (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 84.5% of residents, with 13.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (25.7%) and Australian (24.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Plenty (Vic.) has cultural diversity levels similar to the metropolitan average. Residents born in Australia make up 84.5% of the population, 94.8% are Australian citizens, and 86.1% speak only English at home. The most common religious affiliation is Christianity, which is practiced by 66.9% of residents, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The most common ancestries among residents in the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) are English at 25.7% (higher than the regional average of 20.1%), Australian at 24.2% (higher than the regional average of 18.4%), and Italian at 14.1% (higher than the regional average of 5.2%).
Other backgrounds with higher representation than the wider region include Macedonian at 2.9% (compared to 0.7% regionally), Croatian at 1.3% (compared to 0.7%), and Maltese at 1.8% (compared to 1.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Plenty (Vic.) is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 23.5% 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 median age in the suburb of Plenty (Vic.) is 44, which is older than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national average of 38. The 45 - 54 age group is well represented at 17.8% of the population, compared to a national average of 12.0%, while the 25 - 34 age group is less common at 5.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.5% to 6.2%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has grown from 16.4% to 17.8%.
Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 7.0% to 5.7%. Projections to 2041 indicate that the 45 to 54 cohort will grow by 31% (143 people) to reach 612 from 468, while the 0 to 4 group is expected to grow by 2% (an increase of 1 residents).
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Plenty (Vic.)
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 3 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 Aug 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 — 28 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,575 at the 2021 Census → 2,632 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 (SAL22084). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.