Doncaster East - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Doncaster East - South lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Doncaster East - South's population was around 16,783 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 1,329 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,454. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 16,742 in June 2024 and an additional 197 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 3,518 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Doncaster East - South's growth of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.0%) and the SA4 region, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 95.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing 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 population dynamics anticipate significant increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas. The area is expected to grow by 4,633 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, indicating a total increase of 27.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Doncaster East - South among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Doncaster East - South recorded approximately 130 residential properties approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25654 homes were approved, with a further 39 in FY26 to date. On average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were seen over the past five financial years.

This indicates balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties was $494,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $6.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Doncaster East - South has 40.0% more development per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recent construction comprises 25.0% detached dwellings and 75.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current 49.0% houses.

This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 152 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Doncaster East - South will gain 4,560 residents by 2041. Construction is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of nineteen projects that are expected to impact the area. Among these key projects are The Pines Retirement Living, Monte 8 Montgomery Street, Arden Residences Doncaster East, and 1026-1030 Doncaster Road Luxury Apartments. The following list details those projects 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.

Doncaster East - South has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Doncaster East - South has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4% over the past year.

By June 2025, 8,191 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.9%, 1.3 percentage points higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was lower at 58.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade had notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while construction showed lower representation at 6.9% versus the regional average of 9.7%.

The area's predominantly residential nature offered limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, labour force grew by 3.0%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5%, labour force expand by 4.0%, with unemployment rising 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 Doncaster East - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Doncaster East - South's median income among taxpayers was $45,489 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $64,176 during the same period. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $54,892 and the average was $73,761. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income in Doncaster East - South will be approximately $51,020 and the average will be around $71,980, based on a 12.16% growth rate since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,656 weekly), while personal income sits at the 28th percentile. The largest segment of incomes comprises 30.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,085 residents). This mirrors regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Doncaster East - South's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 48.8% houses and 51.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.1% houses and 32.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doncaster East - South was at 38.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.3% and rented at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,400. Median weekly rent in the area was $460, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $462. Nationally, Doncaster East - South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Doncaster East - South has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 74.7% of all households, including 38.7% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households making up 23.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Educational attainment in Doncaster East-South shows a significant surplus over broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 44.1% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% statewide (VIC). This area's educational advantage is notable, with bachelor degrees being the most common at 28.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational pathways account for 22.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 10.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education. The five schools in Doncaster East-South have a combined enrollment of 4,202 students. The area demonstrates socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1130). Education provision is balanced with four primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. As an education hub, the area has 25.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Public transport analysis shows 62 active transport stops operating within Doncaster East - South, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 6,506 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 929 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 104 weekly trips per individual stop.

Doncaster East - South's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows strong health performance in Doncaster East - South. Both young and old age groups have low prevalence of common conditions.

Private health cover rate is approximately 52%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 55%. Most common conditions are arthritis (6.6%) and asthma (5.3%). 76.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. 19.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,279 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 22.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, similar to the general population's health profile.

Doncaster East - 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

Doncaster East-South has a high level of cultural diversity, with 61.0% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 55.0% born overseas. The dominant religion in Doncaster East-South is Christianity, accounting for 40.6% of the population. Buddhism is notably more prevalent here compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 7.1% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (33.5%), Other (14.0%), and English (11.9%). Some ethnic groups show distinct differences: Greeks make up 5.2%, Koreans 1.4%, and Italians 5.3%, compared to regional averages of 7.6%, 0.9%, and 8.3% respectively.

Doncaster East - South's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Doncaster East - South has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 5-14 age group is notably over-represented in Doncaster East - South at 14.5%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.7% to 10.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 11.8% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Doncaster East - South's age profile. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to expand by 862 people (41%), growing from 2,099 to 2,962. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age cohort is expected to grow modestly by 6% (51 people).