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

South Morang's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 26,395. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,989 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population being 25,959 in June 2024, and an additional 784 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,235 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in South Morang (SA2).

AreaSearch adopts 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, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Demographic trends predict exceptional growth over the period, with South Morang (SA2) expected to grow by 12,369 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 45.2% over the 17 years.

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 has averaged approximately 238 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,190 homes. As of FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been observed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $344,000. In the current financial year, there have been $25.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang records approximately 65% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 87th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity shows 45.0% detached dwellings and 55.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 84.0% houses. This change may be attributed to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 100 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, South Morang is expected to grow by 11,933 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

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

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. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% in an unspecified past year, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 69.0%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. As of September 2025, 15,085 residents were employed, with the unemployment rate at 3.6%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have a limited presence, at 6.3% compared to the regional 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, labour force by 0.4%, raising unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded higher growth: employment at 3.0%, labour force at 3.3%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Morang's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, South Morang's median income among taxpayers is $55,113 with an average of $64,259. This is lower than the national average, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,660 (median) and $69,560 (average). According to Census data, household income ranks at the 70th percentile ($2,078 weekly), while personal income is at the 53rd percentile. Income analysis shows that 39.7% of locals (10,478 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this range. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, had 84.4% houses and 15.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 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, higher than Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, South Morang's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 compared to 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 comprising 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, with 32.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.0% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 5.5% in 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 12 different routes, carrying out 4,791 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents living an average of 239 meters from the nearest stop.

There are approximately 684 trips daily across all routes, which equates to around 49 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 has better-than-average health outcomes, with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages.

However, among older cohorts at risk, the prevalence is higher. Approximately 52% (~13,794 people) have private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.1% and 6.8% of residents respectively. About 74.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. Around 12.7% (3,352 people) are aged 65 or over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of 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 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, accounting for 59.3% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which comprises 2.6% of the population compared to 4.4% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (17.6%), English (15.0%), and Other (13.7%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Macedonian is overrepresented at 5.8% compared to 4.6% regionally, Italian at 13.2% compared to 9.6%, and Maltese at 2.1% compared to 1.5%.

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 remaining close to Australia's median age of 38. The 45-54 age group is strongly represented at 15.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.3% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.2% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 14.8% to 13.3%, and the 35-44 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Morang's age structure, with the 55 to 64 group expected to grow by 76% (2,255 people), reaching 5,238 from 2,982.