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 Feb 2026, the population of South Morang is estimated at around 26,426. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 24,989 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 25,959 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 793 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,237 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with South Morang expected to increase by 12,370 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 45.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for South Morang shows an average of 238 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,190 homes were approved, with a further 30 approved in FY-26. The average population growth associated with these approvals is 0.1 people per year over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new supply meets or exceeds demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for future population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes is $344,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $25.4 million, indicating steady investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 87th percentile nationally for areas assessed. New developments consist of 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% attached dwellings, shifting from the existing housing composition of 84.0% houses.

This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse and affordable housing options. South Morang has a low density characteristic with around 100 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, it is forecasted to gain approximately 11,903 residents. Building activity aligns with growth projections, though heightened competition among buyers is expected as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects likely affecting the 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. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.1%, showing relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, there are 15,153 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is at 74.5%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A moderate 23.6% of residents work from home, as indicated by Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts are notable. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows a particularly high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 6.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as seen in the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, while labour force grew by 1.3%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a smaller unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within South Morang. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth rates vary significantly. Applying these projections to South Morang's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of South Morang had a median taxpayer income of $55,113 and an average income of $64,259 in the financial year 2023. This was lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median incomes would reach approximately $59,660 and average incomes around $69,560. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranked at the 70th percentile ($2,078 weekly), while personal income was at the 53rd percentile. The data showed that 39.7% of South Morang residents (10,491 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 72nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.4% houses and 15.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 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, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in South Morang was $390, matching Melbourne metro's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, South Morang's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 15.7% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is 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, 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.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

South Morang has 97 active public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are covered by 12 different routes that together facilitate 4,791 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport options is considered good, with residents on average located just 239 meters from their nearest stop. Most residents in this predominantly residential area commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode of transportation at 90%. Only 6% use trains for their commutes. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.7, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, buses make an average of 684 trips daily, equating to roughly 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 are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~13,810 people), leading the average SA2 area, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.1 and 6.8% of residents respectively. 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. The area has 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,593 people), lower than the 15.1% 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 people. However, there's an overrepresentation in 'Other' religions, comprising 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%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.7%, as are Italian (13.2% vs 5.2%) and Maltese (2.1% vs 1.1%).

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

South Morang has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's national figure of 38 years. The age group of 45-54 is strongly represented at 14.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.7% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 3.2% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 14.8% to 13.0%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 15.9% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Morang's age structure, with the 55 to 64 group expected to grow by 69% (adding 2,147 people), reaching a total of 5,239 from its current figure of 3,091.