Dandenong - North

Dandenong - North has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dandenong - North's population is around 24,036 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,549 people (11.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,487 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,067 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 249 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,989 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Dandenong - North's 11.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.9%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 86.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth relative to national areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 5,287 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Dandenong - North according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Dandenong - North has experienced around 105 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 527 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 52 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $219,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $39.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Dandenong - North has slightly more development (25.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity shows 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 37.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 315 people per approval, Dandenong - North reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Dandenong - North is expected to grow by 4,318 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Dandenong - North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, Dandenong Community Hub, Dandenong New Art (DNA), and The Lonsdale, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in Dandenong - North face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Dandenong - North features a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 16.9%, and 1.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,320 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 12.1% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 4.8% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.6% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Dandenong - North. 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 Dandenong - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Dandenong - North SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Dandenong - North SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,072 and the average income stands at $54,265, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,955 (median) and $58,742 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Dandenong - North all fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 29.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,970 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

Dandenong - North displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Dandenong - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 37.0% houses and 63.1% 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 Dandenong - North was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 20.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.9%) or rented (56.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Dandenong - North's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Dandenong - North features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 63.1% of all households, comprising 28.5% couples with children, 19.1% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 7.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational outcomes in Dandenong - North fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (26.2%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (17.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 133 active transport stops operating within Dandenong - North, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 50 individual routes, collectively providing 9,728 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 8% by train and 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 12.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,389 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 73 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Dandenong - North is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Dandenong North faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~11,248 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.7% and 5.9% of residents, respectively, while 74.6% 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 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,708 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Dandenong North is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 71.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 67.8% born overseas. The main religion in Dandenong North is Christianity, which makes up 32.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 29.2% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Dandenong North are Other, comprising 43.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%, English, comprising 9.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%, and Australian, comprising 8.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Serbian is notably overrepresented at 2.6% of Dandenong North (vs 0.4% regionally), Sri Lankan at 2.5% (vs 0.8%) and Indian at 8.2% (vs 4.2%).

Dandenong - North's population is younger than the national pattern

Dandenong - North's median age of 35 years stands slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 as well as somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 18.4% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 11.0%. In the period since 2021, the 5 to 14 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 20.7% to 18.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Dandenong - North. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 844 people (32%) from 2,643 to 3,488. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 3% (48 people).