Area profile · Greater Melbourne
Dandenong - South has an estimated 10,084 residents, up 7.9% since the 2021 Census, with 24 projects tracked in Dandenong - South.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The Dandenong - South Statistical Area (Lv2) lies roughly 30 kilometres southeast of the Melbourne CBD. As of Aug 2026, AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 10,084, a rise of 734 people (7.9%) from the 9,350 recorded at the 2021 Census. This change is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 10,039 as of June 2025, together with 214 validated new addresses added since the Census date. The area has a high population born overseas and a strong presence of semi-detached dwellings, alongside an above-average renting population. Its employment base is notable for manufacturing and elevated wholesale trade, and households are larger than average.
Residents include a high proportion of children, largely living in group households, while education levels are typically lower, the area is highly culturally diverse and income levels sit in the lower quartile. Population growth shows moderate expansion patterns.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 5,728 in 2001 and 10,039 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 10,084 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 17.5%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 28.4%.
Dandenong - South ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for cultural diversity and the 85th for transport & access.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Dandenong - South is $496 a week, up 2.0% over 12 months to Sep 2025 and 16% below Greater Melbourne.
16% below Greater Melbourne on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $356 in 2016, $554 in 2025; Units (dashed orange line): $282 in 2016, $447 in 2025. The latest is to Sep 2025.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $496 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +2.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, houses | $554 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | -0.1% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, units | $447 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +3.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Dandenong | $531 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Dandenong, over 12 months | +2.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Melbourne - South East | $579 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Melbourne - South East, over 12 months | +3.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Greater Melbourne | $587 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Melbourne, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, VIC | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, VIC, over 12 months | +4.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
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Status of the 7 tracked applications: 0 approved, 0 under assessment, 7 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 24 projects in Dandenong - South (7 under construction) and 63 more in the surrounding area.
Major infrastructure project permanently closing the dangerous Webster Street level crossing and constructing a new road underpass beneath…
A partnership between Launch Housing and Homes Victoria under the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build to deliver over 150 brand-new social and…
ISPT's Dandenong Works is a $280M masterplanned industrial and logistics estate situated on a 12.2-hectare infill site in Dandenong South.
A 180-hectare masterplanned industrial estate in Dandenong South, adjacent to the Western Port Highway.
Upgrade of five key intersections along the Princes Highway between Pakenham and Beaconsfield to improve safety, reduce congestion and…
A comprehensive revitalisation of the Hampton Park activity centre aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and economic vibrancy.
The Dandenong Bypass Extension is a strategic arterial road link planned by the Department of Transport and Planning and the City of…
An award-winning master-planned mixed-use community on the former Dandenong Livestock Market site, featuring over 1,100 residences…
The City of Greater Dandenong and the Victorian Planning Authority are overseeing the extension of the Dandenong South Industrial Area…
Boutique collection of 24 premium townhouses across 12,000 square metres at 7 Pink Hill Boulevard, Beaconsfield.
Collection of 28 carefully constructed townhomes at 13-15 Mahon Avenue, Beaconsfield.
Major infrastructure project permanently closing the Webster Street level crossing and constructing a new road underpass connecting Princes…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 40 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 7, 2026 12, 2027 8, 2028 5, 2029 4, 2030 2, 2031 0, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 2. 11 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 7 substantial development applications lodged in and around Dandenong - South over the period covered (about 0.8 years), 7 in the last 12 months. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2025 (part year) 2, 2026 (to Oct) 5.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 7 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 0.8 years) | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 7 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 3.0 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 40th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 30 | ABS building approvals | 43rd percentile nationally |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Dandenong - South SA2 include: Webster Street Level Crossing Removal (Construction); Launch Housing Big Housing Build Dandenong Projects (Dev. Approval); Princes Highway Intersection Upgrades - Pakenham to Beaconsfield (Construction); Glismann Road Area Development Plan (Approved); and Webster Street Level Crossing Removal Project (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Dandenong - South SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Transport & Logistics, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
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AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Dandenong - South recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Dwelling approval activity in the Dandenong - South SA2 area has seen 109 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Dandenong - South SA2's current population of 10,084 has been supported by 30 approvals on average over recent years.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Dandenong - South SA2's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 30, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the Dandenong - South SA2 has grown by approximately 141 people, while 148 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.0 people added for each new dwelling approval. This low ratio indicates housing supply is outpacing population growth, potentially creating market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Dandenong - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,084 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +7.9% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 188 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 9,350 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 734 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 53.78 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Dandenong - South SA2 was estimated to be approximately 10,084 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 10,039 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The dandenong - south sa2 has added approximately 734 people and shown a 7.85% increase from the 9,350 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Dandenong - South SA2 is estimated at 188 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Dandenong - South SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.8% per annum.
Population growth in the Dandenong - South SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (76.4%), Natural increase (23.6%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 76.4% of overall population gains.
Dandenong - South hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 8% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 32 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 8th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 14.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 21.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 31.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 50.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 32 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 14.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 13.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 17.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 15.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 7.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 7.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 4.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 2.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Dandenong - South SA2 at 32 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 32 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 32 years as at August 2026, Dandenong - South is 5 years younger than the Greater Melbourne 2021 Census average (37 years) and 6 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Dandenong - South SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 14.3% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Dandenong - South SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 55 - 64 group, making up 7.4% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the Dandenong - South SA2 is broadly in line with Greater Melbourne.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 21.2% of the population in the Dandenong - South SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 14.4% of the population in the Dandenong - South SA2 as at August 2026.
Income figures position the area below 84% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $48,248 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 10th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $55,811 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,288 | 2021 Census, weekly | 19th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $588 | 2021 Census, weekly | 10th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 14.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,414 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 30.9% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Dandenong - South SA2 is approximately $51,432. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $48,248.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Dandenong - South SA2 is approximately $59,495. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $55,811.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Dandenong - South SA2 is approximately $51,432 compared to $63,783 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $48,248 and $59,834 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Dandenong - South SA2 is approximately $59,495 compared to $83,612 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $55,811 and $78,435 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Dandenong - South SA2's households (~28.4% / 828 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Dandenong - South SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 28.4% of households. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.8% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Dandenong - South SA2 is $1,288/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Dandenong - South SA2 is $1,414/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Dandenong - South SA2 is $588/wk.
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the Dandenong - South SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,248 with the average level standing at $55,811. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $59,834 and $78,435 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.6% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $51,432 (median) and $59,495 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Dandenong - South SA2 is $4,489 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The dandenong - south sa2's disposable income is $4,489 compared to $6,948 for Greater Melbourne, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment drivers in Dandenong - South are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 10% of areas assessed across Australia.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 58.8% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 3,843 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 38,938 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 4,556 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Dandenong - South SA2 has approximately 3,843 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 15.6%. The elevated unemployment rate suggests challenging labour market conditions. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Dandenong - South SA2 stands at 15.6%, which is 10.7 percentage points above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.9%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Dandenong - South SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are manufacturing (16.9% of employment), construction (14.2%), and health care & social assistance (11.3%). Other significant employers include retail trade and transport, postal & warehousing.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Dandenong - South SA2 has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Dandenong - South SA2 is 58.8%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This moderate participation rate suggests some residents may face barriers to workforce entry. The local rate trailing the Greater Melbourne average of 70.1%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The dandenong - south sa2 shows notable specialisation in manufacturing, which employs 16.9% of the local workforce compared to 7.2% across Greater Melbourne. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 2.3, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The dandenong - south sa2's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.6% decline, ranking 28th out of 37 regions nationally.
Dandenong - South faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 13.3% | 2021 Census | 34th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.8% | 2021 Census | 48th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 19.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 15.5% | 2021 Census | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.1% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 9.1% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 56.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 33.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 5.0% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 11.4% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.3% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
19.2% of people aged 15 and over in the Dandenong - South SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne.
56.2% of people aged 15 and over in the Dandenong - South SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.2% in Greater Melbourne.
The dandenong - south sa2 ranks in the 12th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Dandenong - South SA2 are: Certificate (15.5%), Bachelor Degree (13.3%), Advanced Diploma (9.1%).
33.5% of the population in the Dandenong - South SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 11.4% in primary school, 8.3% in secondary school, 5.0% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Dandenong - South SA2 is 905, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 2 schools within the Dandenong - South SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 583 students.
The dandenong - south sa2 includes 1 primary school, 1 secondary school.
Dandenong - South features high concentrations of group households but relatively few couples without children, with a larger average household size than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 3.0 people | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 27.2% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 34.4% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 17.9% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 11.7% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 7.2% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 2,920 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 3,149 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 65.8% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.8 per family | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Dandenong - South SA2 had 2,920 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 7.8% to an estimated 3,149 households today.
The average household size in the Dandenong - South SA2 is 3.0 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Melbourne and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 65.8% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (27.2%), group households (7.2%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 1,921 family households, couples with children account for 34.4% of all households, couples without children at home 17.9%, and single parent families 11.7%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Melbourne, the Dandenong - South SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Conversely, family households are under-represented at 65.8% compared to 70.9% in Greater Melbourne. The prevalence of shared households suggests a younger demographic or affordability considerations.
Families in the Dandenong - South SA2 have an average of 1.8 children, slightly above the Greater Melbourne average of 1.4. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 50.8% of the adult population are currently married, while 32.8% have never married. This compares to 47.0% married and 38.0% never married across Greater Melbourne.
Single-person households represent 27.2% of all households in the Dandenong - South SA2, similar to the average for Greater Melbourne of 24.8%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 7.2% of households, above the Greater Melbourne average of 4.3%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 60.4% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 73.6% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 26.4% | 2021 Census | 2nd percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 69.2% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 39.6% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.3% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
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 was found to be Islam, which makes up 54.4% of people in Dandenong - South. This compares 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 Greater Melbourne's 14.6%, English, comprising 10.1% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Melbourne's 20.1%, and Australian, comprising 9.7% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Melbourne's 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% across Greater Melbourne), Sri Lankan at 1.1% (vs 0.8%) and Russian at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).
60.4% of the Dandenong - South SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 37.3% across Greater Melbourne.
73.6% of the population in the Dandenong - South SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 35.9% in Greater Melbourne.
0.3% of the Dandenong - South SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 0.5% in Greater Melbourne.
69.2% of the Dandenong - South SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 81.1% in Greater Melbourne.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Dandenong - South displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 45.6% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 29.0% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 59.9% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,647 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 37th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 25.4% | 2021 Census | 15th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 29.4% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $341 | 2021 Census, weekly | 38th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 26.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 88th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 29.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 87th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 1.1 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
In the Dandenong - South SA2, 29.0% of homes are owned outright, 25.4% are owned with a mortgage, and 45.6% are rented.
According to the latest data, 59.9% of dwellings in the Dandenong - South SA2 are houses.
In the Dandenong - South SA2, 8.9% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 29.4% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Dandenong - South SA2 stands at 29.0%, compared to 30.7% in Greater Melbourne.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Dandenong - South SA2 is $1,647, compared to $2,000 in Greater Melbourne.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Dandenong - South SA2 is $1,092, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Dandenong - South SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 29.5% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 26.5% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Dandenong - South SA2 is 1.1, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Dandenong - South SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 29.5% of income on repayments (vs 24.3% in Greater Melbourne), while renters spend 26.5% of income on rent (vs 20.5% in Greater Melbourne).
The dwelling mix in the Dandenong - South SA2 consists of 59.9% detached houses, 29.4% semi-detached dwellings, 8.9% apartments, and 1.9% other dwelling types.
Housing in Dandenong - South consumes approximately 19.6% of median household income ($5,577 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Dandenong - South show attached dwellings contributing 87% of approvals compared to 40% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 13% of applications versus 60% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. This area is seeing substantial increases in dwelling density compared to most Australian locations.
Dandenong - South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 46.7% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 7th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 79.6% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 7.3% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 86.1% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.0% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
Around 46.7% of people in the Dandenong - South SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.5% in Greater Melbourne.
In the Dandenong - South SA2, 7.3% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.5% of people in Greater Melbourne require similar assistance.
4.6% of people in the Dandenong - South SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.3% of the population across Greater Melbourne is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.3% of the Dandenong - South SA2 population, while in Greater Melbourne, 4.1% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
2.6% of people in the Dandenong - South SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Melbourne,3.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Dandenong - South SA2, 46.7% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Melbourne sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.5%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 85 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 85th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 131 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 6,183 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 85th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 77 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 15 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.2 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 10.6% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 131 public transport stops within the Dandenong - South SA2.
The Dandenong - South SA2 has 6,183 weekly trips across 15 routes, averaging 883 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 207 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 714 m away and the nearest school 842 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 131 stops nearby, 6,183 weekly trips, access rating 85 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 64 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 64th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 714 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 842 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 3 long day care centres with 341 places in Dandenong - South, about 2.1 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Dandenong - South recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Dandenong - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41st percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Dandenong - South is $496 a week, +2.0% over 12 months to Sep 2025.
Population growth drivers in Dandenong - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Dandenong - South hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 8% of areas nationwide.
Income figures position the area below 84% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
Employment drivers in Dandenong - South are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 10% of areas assessed across Australia.
Dandenong - South faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Dandenong - South features high concentrations of group households but relatively few couples without children, with a larger average household size than Greater Melbourne.
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 displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
Dandenong - South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Dandenong - South has an estimated 10,084 residents, up 7.9% since the 2021 Census, with 24 projects tracked in Dandenong - South.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Dandenong - South.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2025, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Sep 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (212041564). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Sep 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Dandenong - South from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Dandenong - South with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.