Chart Color Schemes
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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
South Melbourne has an estimated 14,519 residents, up from 11,548 at the 2021 Census — a change of 2,971 people, or 25.7%. Growth has averaged 2.9% a year over five years, faster than 94% of areas nationally. 1,754 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 99.0% of that increase. That puts 6,630 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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of South Melbourne has an estimated population of approximately 14,519 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,971 people (25.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 11,548 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 14,519, projected by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) combined with an extra 1,754 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 6,629 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch and highlighting the high demand for local land.
The suburb of South Melbourne's 25.7% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the state (9.3%) as well as the national average, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population gains in the area were largely propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 99.0% of the overall population rise in recent times. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas lacking this data, AreaSearch utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections published in 2023, adjusting them via 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. Looking at future demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas, is forecast over the timeframe, with the area expected to expand by 9,329 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, which represents a total increase of 63.7% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
2,016 new dwellings have been approved in South Melbourne over the past five years, an average of 403 a year. That places the area in the 86th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 28 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 251 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 1% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 603, running ahead of 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
According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, South Melbourne averages approximately 403 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with an estimated 2,016 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 553 so far in FY-26. With an average of just 1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $690,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.
Additionally, $171.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Melbourne has 186.0% more development activity per person, which gives buyers more choices, although construction has slowed down lately. This level of activity is well above the national average, showing strong developer confidence in the area. Recent building approvals consist of 1.0% standalone homes and 99.0% medium and high-density housing. This heavy focus on compact housing options provides affordable entry pathways and draws in downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. With approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, South Melbourne exhibits characteristics typical of a growth area. Looking ahead, South Melbourne is expected to grow by 9,246 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around South Melbourne
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 20 current infrastructure and development projects inside South Melbourne, worth an estimated $4.6 billion. A further 180 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $100.4 billion. 72 are already under construction and 61 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and business parks & technology hubs. 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
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 63 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include South Melbourne Town Hall Restoration, First Light, Verde Arts Precinct, and 80-94 Cecil Street South Melbourne Commercial Development, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
South Melbourne Town Hall Restoration
Major restoration and renewal of the historic South Melbourne Town Hall, preserving its heritage while transforming it into a vibrant cultural and community hub. Works include seismic roof strengthening, a new slate roof, solar panels, a new north-west annexe studio, Clock Tower conservation, and full fit-out of two performance venues (350-seat Main Hall and new 150-seat venue). Co-funded by City of Port Phillip ($60M) and ANAM ($54M including $25M Australian Government and philanthropic contributions). Completion expected late 2027 with public reopening in early 2028.
80-94 Cecil Street South Melbourne Commercial Development
Approved commercial and retail redevelopment of a whole South Melbourne block opposite South Melbourne Market. The amended scheme allows a multi-storey building with office space, a supermarket, shops, food and drink premises, a commercial car park, basement parking, public realm works on Northumberland Street and retention of the heritage Southern Cross Hotel at 78 Cecil Street.
First Light
First Light is an under-construction luxury mixed-use apartment and hotel project at 28 Albert Road, South Melbourne. The scheme includes a boutique collection of 35 private residences, a 97-key Nu by YOO hotel, wellness facilities, pool, gym, concierge services, restaurants, and a pedestrian arcade linking the Domain Precinct near Anzac Station.
Kings Way, South Melbourne
Proposed $65 million, 19-storey premium commercial office tower designed by Elenberg Fraser. The project features luxury whole-floor tenancies, ground-floor food and beverage outlets, and basement parking with dedicated end-of-trip facilities. Positioned on a pentagon-shaped island site, the building offers views of Albert Park Lake and Port Phillip Bay. The development proceeded to VCAT review following a Port Phillip Council recommendation for refusal in 2022.
The Canopy on Normanby
The Canopy on Normanby is a 20-storey sustainable residential tower located in South Melbourne's Fishermans Bend precinct. Developed by Gamuda Land, the project features 213 apartments designed with biophilic principles, aiming for a 7.8-star NatHERS rating and 5-Star Green Star certification. The development includes a 3,000sqm public park featuring Melbourne's first urban Miyawaki forest, a rooftop onsen-inspired spa, geothermal heat pump systems, and extensive green facades and cascading gardens. Construction is being carried out by Crema Constructions.
Local South Melbourne
A 35 to 40-storey build-to-rent tower featuring 406 apartments, designed by LiFE Architecture with a facade inspired by aviation heritage. The project includes extensive amenities such as a wellness podium with a gym and yoga studio, co-working spaces, a pet wash bay, and ground-level commercial retail. It is fully electric and achieves net zero emissions, targeting completion in late 2026.
Future South Melbourne Structure Plan
The Future South Melbourne Structure Plan (2024-2044) is a comprehensive framework guiding the long-term transformation of South Melbourne. Implemented via Planning Scheme Amendment C219port, the plan rezones the City Road Industrial Triangle to Commercial 2, introduces four new Design and Development Overlays (DDO37-40) to manage building heights and design, and strengthens heritage protections for local precincts. Following a public Planning Panel hearing which concluded in April 2026, the project is currently in the final stages of assessment for formal adoption.
Bank Street Build-to-Rent Development
Approved 19-storey build-to-rent mixed-use development at 15-37 Bank Street, South Melbourne. The scheme comprises 355 rental apartments, including studios and one, two and three bedroom apartments, ground floor retail, 141 car spaces and resident amenities including coworking, gym and wellness areas, lifestyle spaces, heated pool, rooftop terrace and pet-friendly facilities. Local Residential acquired the permit-ready project from Hines, with 10 percent of dwellings designated as affordable housing.
9,487 residents of South Melbourne are employed, from a labour force of 10,123. Unemployment sits at 6.3%, with participation at 77.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 24,134, about 166% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
South Melbourne has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 6.3%, and 6.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 9,487 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 51.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
Leading employment industries among residents comprise professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 10.2% of South Melbourne's workforce compared to 14.2% in Greater Melbourne. With 2.0 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 6.1% and labour force increased by 6.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.1%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within South Melbourne. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to South Melbourne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in South Melbourne is $2,101 a week (about $109,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,307 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $68,864 a year against an average of $105,821. The average runs 54% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. 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 AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of South Melbourne had a median income among taxpayers of $68,864 with the average level standing at $105,821. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $75,489 (median) and $116,001 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 94th percentile nationally ($1,307 weekly).
Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.9% of the community (4,341 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.8% in the same category. A significant 34.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 17.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 70th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
South Melbourne had 5,547 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 5% detached houses and 59% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 56% rented and 20% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $421 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,200 a month, a total housing cost higher than 84% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 20.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within South Melbourne, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 4.7% houses and 95.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within South Melbourne was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 19.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.0%) or rented (56.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $421, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390.
Nationally, South Melbourne's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
South Melbourne counted 5,547 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 6,974 today, averaging 1.9 people each. 15% are couples with children, fewer than in 94% of areas nationally, against 28% couples without children. 43% of households are people living alone, and families average 0.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households dominate at 51.1% of all households, comprising 15.2% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 48.9%, with lone person households at 43.1% and group households comprising 5.8% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
56.9% of adults in South Melbourne hold a university qualification, including 35.8% with a bachelor degree and 16.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 9.4% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 910 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,029 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in South Melbourne significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 56.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 35.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 20.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (9.4%). Educational participation is notably high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in South Melbourne reaches 45 stops on 11 routes, timetabled for about 10,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 140 m from its nearest stop. Trams carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 0.5 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 analysis reveals 45 active transport stops operating within South Melbourne comprising a mix of lightrail and buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 10,862 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 142 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 50%, with 20% walking and 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 51.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).
Service frequency averages 1,551 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 241 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.3% of residents in South Melbourne report no long-term health condition. 5.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 68.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
South Melbourne demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (9,938 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 72.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,090 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
37.4% of South Melbourne residents were born overseas and 25.3% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 76% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (24.2%) and Australian (17.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
South Melbourne scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 25.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. The main religion in South Melbourne was found to be Christianity, which makes up 37.2% of people in South Melbourne. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 1.2% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in South Melbourne are English, comprising 24.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 17.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.5% of the population.
Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of South Melbourne (vs 0.4% regionally), French at 0.9% (vs 0.5%) and Greek at 3.2% (vs 2.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of South Melbourne is 38. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 34.7% 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 38-year median age in South Melbourne is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, South Melbourne has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (24.9%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (6.3%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, a rejuvenation is evident as the median age fell from 39 to 38 years. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 21.7% to 24.9% of the population.
Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.6% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 7.4% to 6.3%. By 2041, South Melbourne is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 107% (1,958 people), reaching 3,788 from 1,829.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for South Melbourne
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 | Apr 2026 4 months ago all 20 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 Apr 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 — 1,754 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (11,548 at the 2021 Census → 14,519 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 (SAL22310). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.