Scoresby

An assessment of population growth drivers in Scoresby reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026 the suburb of Scoresby's estimated population is around 6,199. This reflects an increase of 133 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,066. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,175 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 713 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Scoresby's 2.2% growth since census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,076 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.0% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Scoresby according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Scoresby has averaged approximately 43 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 217 homes. As of April 2026, 15 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choices for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $505,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $23.7 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Scoresby records 53.0% more development activity per person. This should offer buyers ample choice, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development consists of 47.0% detached dwellings and 53.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a shift towards compact living to attract downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This is a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (96.0%).

With around 225 people per dwelling approval, Scoresby shows characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate that Scoresby will gain approximately 1,052 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Scoresby has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Scoresby Village Residential Estate, Six-Storey Aged-Care Facility, Knoxfield Industrial Estate Redevelopment, and Knox Off the Plan Developments. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Scoresby maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Scoresby's workforce is highly educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of December 2025, 3,412 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.0% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant number, 26.4%, worked from home according to Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing employment was particularly notable at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employed only 8.5% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There were 1.8 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating Scoresby functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force grew by 1.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.7%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise to 5.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Scoresby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Scoresby had a median income among taxpayers of $49,659. The average income stood at $59,918 in this period. Both figures were below the national averages of $67,048 and $97,698 respectively for median and average incomes. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $54,436, while the average income stands at around $65,682 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census figures rank household income at the 63rd percentile ($1,965 weekly) and personal income at the 41st percentile in Scoresby. In terms of earnings profile, 34.8% of individuals (2,157 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, similar to the regional level of 32.8%. After accounting for housing costs, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses. Scoresby's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Scoresby's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 96.4% houses and 3.5% other dwellings. Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scoresby was 35.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.6% and rented ones at 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,023, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Scoresby was $406, exceeding Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375.

Scoresby features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.7% of all households, including 42.8% couples with children, 23.5% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Scoresby's educational qualifications trail Greater Melbourne's regional benchmarks. As of 2021, 31.9% of Scoresby residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (19.6%). Educational participation is high in Scoresby, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2020-2021 academic year. This includes primary education (9.2%), secondary education (9.0%), and tertiary education (6.2%).

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

Scoresby has 52 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 1,906 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Scoresby being primarily residential, and cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Scoresby, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant 26.4% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 272 trips per day, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Scoresby's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Scoresby. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups, with asthma being the most common medical condition, impacting 7.8% of residents. Mental health issues affected 6.3%.

A total of 73.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~3,134 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,060 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Scoresby is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Scoresby has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.5% of its population born overseas and 39.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Scoresby, comprising 44.8% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Scoresby compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 8.0% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups in Scoresby are Australian (19.4%), English (18.8%), and Chinese (14.5%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. There are also notable differences in the representation of Sri Lankan, Indian, and Korean ethnic groups compared to the region as a whole: Sri Lankan at 2.8% versus 0.8%, Indian at 5.6% versus 4.2%, and Korean at 0.7% versus 0.3%.

Scoresby's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Scoresby has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Scoresby at 15.2%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 10.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.5% to 5.6% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Scoresby's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 293 people (31%) from 942 to 1,236. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.