Dandenong - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Dandenong - South are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Dandenong - South's population was around 10,086 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 736 people, a 7.9% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 9,350 people. The change was inferred from ABS estimates: 10,032 residents in June 2024 and 143 new addresses validated since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 187 persons per square kilometer. Dandenong - South's growth exceeded its SA3 area (6.8%), making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.6% 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. By 2041, Dandenong - South is projected to have an above median population growth, expanding by 2,339 persons, a total gain of 22.7% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 27 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling 137 homes. In FY-26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home is around 0.3 per year during this period. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value for new properties is $214,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $15.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dandenong - South records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and ranks among the 17th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. This suggests limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties.

The area's development activity is also below average nationally, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New development in Dandenong - South consists of approximately 55% standalone homes and 45% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix providing options across different price points. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 972 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Dandenong - South adding approximately 2,285 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Dandenong - South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 68 potential impact projects in total. Notable ones are Webster Street Level Crossing Removal, Casey Green Estate, Azalea Garden Estate, and Glismann Road Development Plan. The following list details those expected to have the 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.

The labour market performance in Dandenong - South lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Dandenong - South has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being prominent. The unemployment rate was 13.0% as of June 2025.

Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 2.6%. As of June 2025, there were 3992 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.4%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was lower at 51.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are manufacturing, construction, and health care & social assistance.

Manufacturing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence with 4.2% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The area functions as an employment hub with 6.2 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, labour force grew by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Dandenong - South's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

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

Dandenong-South's median income among taxpayers was $45,024 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,796 during the same period. Greater Melbourne's figures were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $50,499 and average income around $58,094, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Dandenong-South fall between the 10th and 19th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 28.4% of locals (2,864 people) predominantly earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Dandenong - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.9% houses and 40.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 72.1% houses and 28.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dandenong - South was 29.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.4% and rented ones at 45.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,647, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,800. The median weekly rent figure was $341, compared to Melbourne metro's $350. Nationally, Dandenong - South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,647 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $341 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.8% of all households, including 34.4% couples with children, 17.9% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households making up 7.2%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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+, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 15.5%. Educational participation is high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.4% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education.

The area has educational provision including Dandenong South Primary School and SEDA College (Victoria) - Building and Construction - Dandenong, serving a total of 583 students. Educational conditions vary across the area, with conventional provision split between one primary and one secondary institution. Local school capacity is limited at 5.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Dandenong - South shows that there are currently 130 operational transport stops. These stops offer a combination of train and bus services, with 13 different routes serving the area. Together, these routes facilitate 5,024 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is considered good, with residents on average being located 210 metres from their nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages at 717 trips per day, which translates to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

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 shows excellent results in Dandenong - South, particularly for younger cohorts who have a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is notably low at approximately 46%, affecting about 4,659 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Diabetes and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.3% and 5.3% of residents respectively. A total of 79.6% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 75.1%. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 13.8%, with approximately 1,388 people falling into this age category, compared to Greater Melbourne's 17.4%.

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 has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 60.4% of its population born overseas and 73.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Islam, accounting for 54.4% of Dandenong-South's population, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 13.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other' (53.8%), English (10.1%), and Australian (9.7%).

Notably, Macedonian (2.2%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.3%, while Russian (0.8% vs 0.4%) and Sri Lankan (1.1% vs 1.8%) also show significant differences in representation.

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

Dandenong - South's median age is 32 years, which is younger than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dandenong - South has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.0%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.8%). Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15-24 age group grew from 12.6% to 13.3%, while the 25-34 cohort declined from 19.3% to 17.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Dandenong - South's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 450 residents to reach 1,544. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 5%, with an increase of 36 residents.