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 Nov 2025, South Morang's population is estimated at around 26,861, reflecting an increase of 1,872 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 24,989. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 25,959 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 784 validated new addresses since the Census date. South Morang's population density as of Nov 2025 is 1,257 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 7.5% growth since census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in South Morang. 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with 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. By 2041, South Morang is predicted to grow by 12,369 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 42.7% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, South Morang averaged around 238 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,190 homes. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $344,000, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to regional norms.

Additionally, $25.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 87th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity shows 45.0% detached dwellings and 55.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This reflects a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 84.0% houses. With around 100 people per dwelling approval, South Morang shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate South Morang will gain 11,467 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

South Morang has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects potentially affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Findon Road Arterial Road Completion from Plenty Road to Epping Road, 175 Gordons Road Development, South Morang Civic Centre Precinct, and The Gorge Townhomes. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 assessment positions South Morang ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

South Morang has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of June 2025, 15,061 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was at 69.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area showed strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while professional & technical services had limited presence at 6.3% compared to the regional 10.1%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, and labour force grew by 1.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 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, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not consider localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows South Morang's median income among taxpayers is $55,164. The average income in South Morang is $64,319. Nationally, the median and average incomes are approximately similar to South Morang's figures. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $54,892 and the average is $73,761. As of September 2025, estimates suggest South Morang's median income will be around $61,872 and the average will be approximately $72,140, factoring in a 12.16% growth since financial year 2022 based on Wage Price Index data. Census data indicates South Morang's household income ranks at the 70th percentile ($2,078 weekly) and personal income ranks at the 53rd percentile. The earnings profile reveals that 39.7% of residents (10,663 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, which is also prevalent at regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income in South Morang. Despite this, disposable income ranks 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 per the latest Census, comprised 84.4% houses and 15.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Morang was at 24.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.2% and rented ones at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $390, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, South Morang's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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 making up 1.9%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (20.8%). Educational participation is high at 32.5%, with 11.0% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

South Morang has a robust network of eight schools educating approximately 3,439 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1026) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and six K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in South Morang shows that there are currently 95 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The area is served by 8 individual routes, which together provide 6,597 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 942 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 69 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in South Morang is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

South Morang shows better-than-average health outcomes with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, rates are higher among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of South Morang's total population (~14,042 people), slightly above Greater Melbourne's average of 49.8%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions in the area, affecting 7.1 and 6.8% of residents respectively. About 74.5% of South Morang residents report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.7%, with health outcomes among this group requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

South Morang has a high level of 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, making up 59.3% of the population. There is an overrepresentation of people identifying as 'Other' religion, comprising 2.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (17.6%), English (15.0%), and Other (13.7%). Notably, Macedonian (5.8%) is overrepresented in South Morang compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Similarly, Italian (13.2% vs 9.6%) and Maltese (2.1% vs 1.5%) are also more prevalent than the Greater Melbourne averages.

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 years. The age group of 45-54 is strongly represented at 15.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent in South Morang at 13.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.3% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.2% to 4.3%. During this period, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 14.8% to 13.3%, and the 35 to 44 group decreased from 15.9% to 14.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Morang's age structure. Notably, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by 73%, increasing from 3,035 people to 5,238.