Ravenhall

Ravenhall lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Ravenhall is around 2,636, reflecting a growth of 341 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 14.9% rise from the previous population count of 2,295. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,626 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 134 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 193 persons per square kilometer. Ravenhall's growth exceeded both state (9.3%) and national averages, marking it as a region leader in population increase. Interstate migration contributed approximately 85% to overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb of Ravenhall's population is expected to decline by 110 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 35 to 44 are projected to grow, with an increase of 82 people anticipated in this group over the period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Ravenhall among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Ravenhall recorded around 29 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 146 homes were approved, with a further 20 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 6.2 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

However, supply is lagging demand substantially, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $373,000. In terms of commercial approvals, $15.1 million has been registered in FY-26, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ravenhall has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 80th percentile nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

New development consists predominantly of standalone homes at 93.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 7.0%. This preserves the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 136 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. However, population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects potentially affecting the area. Notable initiatives include Residential Development - Derrimut Gardens Estate, Derrimut Wetlands Park Development, A Palmer Parade, Derrimut, and Deer Park Estate. The following details projects likely having greatest relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Ravenhall face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Ravenhall's workforce is skilled and diverse. Its unemployment rate was 50.6% according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, 78 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 45.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Ravenhall lagged significantly at 6.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses indicated that 37.5% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Leading employment industries were other services, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and mining. The area had a high specialization in other services, with an employment share 27.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance had limited presence at 0.0% compared to the regional 14.2%. There were 1.1 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating Ravenhall functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period, labour force increased by 30.6% while employment declined by 2.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 16.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Ravenhall. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ravenhall's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 3.5% over five years and 8.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Ravenhall's median income is $48,745 and average income is $55,481. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,434 (median) and $60,818 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Ravenhall rank at the 2nd percentile while personal income is at the 58th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 100% of individuals earn between $800 - $1,499, differing from Greater Melbourne where the dominant band is $1,500 - $2,999 with 32.8%. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 100% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Ravenhall's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were entirely houses with no other dwelling types present. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's mix of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ravenhall was 100%, with no mortgaged or rented properties indicated. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,492, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Ravenhall was $1,500, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Ravenhall's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,492 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $1,500.

Ravenhall features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 50.0% of all households, including 0.0% couples with children, 0.0% couples without children, and 0.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 50.0%, with lone person households accounting for 100.0% and group households at 0.0%. The median household size is 1.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Ravenhall shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas, both at 0.0%. Technical qualifications make up 12.3% of educational achievements for residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 0.0% and certificates at 12.3%. Educational participation is high, with 99.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 0.0% in primary education, 0.0% in secondary education, and 0.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Ravenhall has nine active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by eight routes that together facilitate 2,589 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically living 622 meters away from the nearest stop. Most Ravenhall residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 67%, while 33% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 37.5% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 369 trips per day, equating to approximately 287 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ravenhall is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Ravenhall faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of Ravenhall's total population (~1,287 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 0.0% and 0.0% of residents respectively. However, 80.0% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age populations are broadly typical. Ravenhall has 0.4% of residents aged 65 and over (10 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Ravenhall are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ravenhall was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ravenhall's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 23.1% born overseas and 35.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Ravenhall is Christianity, making up 58.8% of the population. However, there is an overrepresentation in Other religions, comprising 17.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (38.1%), Australian (23.8%), and English (23.8%), with Other being substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%. Notably, Greek ethnicity is overrepresented at 14.3% in Ravenhall compared to the regional average of 2.7%.

Ravenhall's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Ravenhall's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ravenhall has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (37.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (0.3%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, younger residents have lowered Ravenhall's median age by 2.8 years to 30. Notable shifts include an increase in the 35-44 age group from 28.1% to 37.9%, and a growth in the 5-14 cohort from 0% to 4.5%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has decreased from 15.1% to 8.2%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.7% to 7.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Ravenhall. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 13%, adding 24 residents to reach 220. In contrast, both the 75-84 and 65-74 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.