South Morang

Population growth drivers in South Morang are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the population of South Morang is estimated at around 26,373, reflecting an increase of 1,384 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 24,989. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 26,313 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 817 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 1,234 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional future growth is predicted over the period, placing South Morang in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas. The area is expected to expand by 12,079 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 45.6% in total over the 16 years.

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

South Morang has seen approximately 238 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,190 homes were approved, with an additional 48 approved in FY-26. The average population increase per dwelling built over these years was 0.1 people.

The average construction value of new properties is $344,000. This year has seen $25.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang records about 67% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 87th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing pattern of 84.0% houses. This suggests decreasing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

South Morang has a low-density characteristic with around 100 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South Morang is projected to grow by 12,019 residents by 2041. Development pace appears reasonable in relation to projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Findon Road Arterial Road Completion between Plenty Road and Epping Road, the 175 Gordons Road Development, South Morang Civic Centre Precinct, and The Gorge Townhomes. Below is a list of 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.

The labour market in South Morang demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

South Morang has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, showing relative stability. As of December 2025, 15,153 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation stood at 73.2%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 23.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction was particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force grew by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a smaller rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Morang's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of South Morang has a median taxpayer income of $55,113 and an average of $64,259 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne's median income being $57,688 and average income $75,164. As of March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023 would be approximately $60,415 (median) and $70,441 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 70th percentile ($2,078 weekly), while personal income is at the 53rd percentile. The largest income segment comprises 39.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (10,470 residents). High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

South Morang is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

South Morang's dwelling structures, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 84.4% houses and 15.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Morang stood at 24.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.2% and rented ones at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Weekly rent median was $390, equal to Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, South Morang's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $390 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 82.4% of all households, including 48.9% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 15.7% and group households at 1.9%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 26.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 11.4% and certificates for 20.8%.

Educational participation is high at 32.5%, including 11.0% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 97 active transport stops operating within South Morang. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 12 individual routes that provide 4,791 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using cars as the dominant mode at 90%, while 6% use trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 23.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 684 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

South Morang's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

South Morang's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical, but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of South Morang's total population (~13,782 people), leading the average SA2 area, while Greater Melbourne has 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in South Morang, impacting 7.1 and 6.8% of residents respectively. A total of 74.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. South Morang has 13.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,428 people), lower than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

South Morang was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Morang has a significant cultural diversity, with 32.4% of its population born overseas and 38.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Morang, accounting for 59.3% of the population. However, there's an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which comprises 2.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (17.6%), English (15.0%), and Other (13.7%). Notably, Macedonian (5.8%) and Italian (13.2%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 0.7% and 5.2%, respectively, while Maltese is at 2.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.1%.

South Morang's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

South Morang has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 45-54 age group comprises 14.8% of South Morang's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 13.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.2% to 4.4%. During this period, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.8% to 12.9%, and the 35 to 44 group decreased from 15.9% to 14.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Morang's age structure. Notably, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by 69%, adding 2,140 people and reaching a total of 5,253 from its current figure of 3,112.