Docklands
Statistical Area - sa2

Docklands lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Docklands' population is approximately 20,241 as of August 2025. This figure shows a growth of 4,748 people, representing a 30.6% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,493. The rise is inferred from an estimated resident population of 18,567 in June 2024 and an additional 975 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 8,295 persons per square kilometer, placing Docklands in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth exceeded both national (8.6%) and state averages since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 released in 2023, adjusting using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends predict exceptional growth for Docklands, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The area is expected to increase by 11,152 persons by 2041 based on latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 46.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Docklands among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Docklands has received approximately 821 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 4,106 dwellings approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 0.5 new residents have arrived per new home each year over the past five financial years. This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering more buyer choices and potential for population growth beyond projections.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $680,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $1072.6 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Docklands has 249.0% more building activity per person, suggesting ample buyer choice and high developer confidence in the location. All recent development consists of townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location currently has around 16 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Docklands will add 9,478 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Docklands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by modifications to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 65 projects that are expected to impact the area. Among these, notable projects include West Gate Tunnel Project - Docklands Connection, Docklands Victoria Harbour Development, Collins Wharf - Final Three Towers, and Collins Wharf - Regatta, with the following list providing more details on those considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Docklands performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Docklands has an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.0%. As of June 2025, 13,842 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6% and workforce participation at 71.0%. Leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food. The area specializes particularly in professional & technical services, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 7.6% of Docklands's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. There are 5.5 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 7.0% and labour force increased by 7.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Docklands' employment could grow approximately 7.2%% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Docklands was $59,023 and average income was $81,098. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. By March 2025, based on a 10.11% Wage Price Index growth since 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,990 (median) and $89,297 (average). Census data shows individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally were $1,182 weekly, with household income at the 63rd percentile. Income distribution reveals 35.3% of Docklands' population falls within the $1,500-$2,999 range. High housing costs consume 18.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Docklands features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Docklands, as evaluated at the Census in 2016, comprised 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 2.2% houses and 97.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Docklands was at 12.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.6% and rented dwellings at 68.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Docklands was $2,000, above the Melbourne metro average of $1,962. The median weekly rent figure for Docklands was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $396. Nationally, Docklands' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Docklands features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 51.4% of all households, including 12.4% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 3.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 48.6%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 1.8 people, aligning with Greater Melbourne's average.

Educational achievement in Docklands places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Docklands has a higher level of educational attainment than Australia's average. 64.9% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 39.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational pathways account for 18.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 1.6% pursuing secondary education. Docklands Primary School-The District Campus (interim name) and Docklands Primary School serve a total of 543 students. These schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby due to limited local capacity (2.7 places per 100 residents vs the regional average of 6.9).

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

Docklands has 57 operational public transport stops. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 124 unique routes serving these stops, together facilitating 28,150 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residences to the nearest stop is 119 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Stops offer an average of 4,021 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 493 weekly trips per individual stop.

Docklands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Docklands' health outcomes show excellent results, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is notably high at about 61% of the total population (12,306 people), which compares to Melbourne's 56.0%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in Docklands, affecting 5.1% and 4.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 84.4%, report no medical ailments, compared to Melbourne's 79.8%. Docklands has 7.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,483 people). Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's health profile.

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

Docklands has a culturally diverse population, with 58.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 67.5% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 27.4%. Hinduism is notably higher in Docklands at 14.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 6.8%.

The top three ancestral groups are Chinese (19.8%), Other (18.9%), and English (13.8%). There are also significant differences in the representation of Indian (11.7% vs regional 5.5%), Korean (1.9% vs 1.5%), and Russian (0.7% vs 0.4%) ethnic groups.

Docklands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Docklands has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Docklands has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 at 36.4%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 3.3%. This 25-34 age group concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 18.7% to 20.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 11.7% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 39.0% to 36.4%, and the 0 to 4 age group has dropped from 4.5% to 3.0%. Population forecasts for Docklands indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow strongly at 121%, adding 2,282 residents to reach a total of 4,165. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is forecast to grow modestly by 7% (an increase of 182 people).