Dandenong - South

Population growth drivers in Dandenong - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dandenong - South's population is around 10,047 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 697 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,350 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,032 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 152 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 186 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Dandenong - South's 7.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 71.6% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,339 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 23.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Dandenong - South, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Dandenong - South has seen around 27 new homes approved annually, totalling 137 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. At an average of just 0.3 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $214,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $15.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Dandenong - South records about three-quarters the building activity per person while it places among the 17th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 55.0% standalone homes and 45.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. The estimated count of 972 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Dandenong - South adding 2,324 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Dandenong - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 68 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Webster Street Level Crossing Removal, Casey Green Estate, Glismann Road Development Plan, and Princes Highway Intersection Upgrades, 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 - South face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Dandenong - South features a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 14.4%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,967 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 9.6% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (58.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are manufacturing, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 4.2% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. With 6.2 workers for every resident as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and the labour force increased by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.9 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 - South. 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 - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Dandenong - South SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Dandenong - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,084 and the average income stands at $54,279, 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 $50,968 (median) and $58,757 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Dandenong - South all fall between the 10th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 28.4% of locals (2,853 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Dandenong - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.9% houses and 40.2% 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 - South was slightly lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 29.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.4%) or rented (45.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,647, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $341, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Dandenong - South's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.8% of all households, comprising 34.4% couples with children, 17.9% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households comprising 7.2% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Dandenong - South faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.2%) 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 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational pathways account for 24.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (15.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 131 active transport stops operating within Dandenong - South, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 4,214 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 602 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Dandenong - South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Dandenong - South, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,701 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be diabetes and mental health issues, impacting 5.3% and 5.3% of residents, respectively, while 79.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,439 people), though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Dandenong - South 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 South is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 60.4% of its population born overseas and 73.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Dandenong South is Islam, which makes up 54.4% of people in Dandenong South, compared to 5.6% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Dandenong South are Other, comprising 53.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%, English, comprising 10.1% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%, and Australian, comprising 9.7% 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: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Dandenong South (vs 0.7% regionally), Sri Lankan at 1.1% (vs 0.8%) and Russian at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Dandenong - South hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 33, Dandenong - South is materially younger than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Dandenong - South has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (13.9%) but fewer 55 - 64 year-olds (8.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.6% to 13.3% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.3% to 17.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Dandenong - South. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 40%, adding 440 residents to reach 1,544. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 6% (43 people).