Dandenong - North

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

Dandenong - North's population is 23,488 as of Nov 2025. This shows an increase of 2,001 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 21,487. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 23,260 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,921 persons per square kilometer, placing Dandenong - North in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area average (6.8%) and national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.8% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project above median population growth nationally, with Dandenong - North expected to increase by 5,287 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 20.7% 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 seen approximately 105 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 527 homes. As of FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction cost for new homes is $219,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year, commercial approvals totalling $39.4 million have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dandenong North has slightly more development activity, with 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. The majority of new building activity consists of townhouses or apartments (82.0%), reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 37.0% houses. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Dandenong North has approximately 315 people per approval, indicating a transitioning market.

By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 4,866 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Dandenong - North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 18 such projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, Dandenong Community Hub, Dandenong New Art (DNA), and The Lonsdale. The following list details those likely to be 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.

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

Dandenong - North has a skilled workforce with significant representation in the construction sector. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 16.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year.

In September 2025, 9,312 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 11.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 50.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction, with notable concentration in manufacturing at 2.1 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment is limited at 4.8%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force grew by 4.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force by 3.3%, with an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov-25, Victoria's employment grew year-on-year by 1.13% (adding 41,950 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dandenong - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not consider localized population projections.

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

The Dandenong - North SA2's median income among taxpayers was $45,011 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,782 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $50,484 and average income $58,079, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Dandenong - North fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 29.0% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, with a total of 6,811 residents falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area where 32.8% are in the same income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dandenong - North, with only 78.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Dandenong - North, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 37.0% houses and 63.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 72.1% houses and 28.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dandenong - North stood at 20.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (22.9%) or rented (56.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Dandenong - North was $310, compared to Melbourne metro's $350. Nationally, Dandenong - North's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Dandenong - North features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.1% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 26.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (17.7%). Educational participation is high at 34.3%, comprising primary education (9.3%), secondary education (7.4%), and tertiary education (6.4%).

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

Dandenong - North has 133 active public transport stops. These are served by 57 routes offering 14,643 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 148 meters.

Service frequency across all routes averages 2,091 trips per day, equating to approximately 110 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Dandenong - North 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

Dandenong - North shows better-than-average health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, older and at-risk cohorts have higher rates of these conditions.

Private health cover is extremely low in the area, at approximately 46% (around 10,851 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.7% and 5.9% of residents respectively. About 74.6% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 75.1%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.9% (3,495 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 17.4%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader 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, as per the 2016 Census, has a population where 71.7% speak languages other than English at home and 67.8% were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 32.7%. Islam's representation at 29.2% is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 13.1%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is highest at 43.0%, compared to the regional average of 29.1%. English and Australian ancestry follow at 9.7% and 8.7% respectively. Notable differences exist for Serbian (2.6% vs regional 1.1%), Sri Lankan (2.5% vs 1.8%) and Indian (8.2% vs 6.2%).

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

Dandenong - North's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 19.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 10.8%. Between 2021 and now, the 5-14 age group has increased from 10.4% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 20.7% to 19.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Dandenong - North. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 946 people (37%), growing from 2,541 to 3,488. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow by a modest 4%, adding 70 people.