Doveton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Doveton's population is around 12,874 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 985 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,889 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,812 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 348 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,480 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Doveton's 8.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 72.6% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,851 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 21.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Doveton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Doveton has recorded approximately 130 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 654 homes were approved, with an additional 58 approved in FY-26 to date. Over these five financial years, the average new resident per year per dwelling constructed was 0.7.

This pace suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties during this period was $244,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. As of FY-26, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Doveton has 75.0% more development activity per person than Greater Melbourne, offering buyers ample choice despite a slowdown in building activity in recent years. The current trend shows 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% townhouses or apartments being constructed, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of 78.0% houses. This denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 155 people per approval, Doveton reflects a developing area with future projections estimating an addition of 2,769 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply is expected to adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Doveton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Twelve projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Doveton Pool in the Park Revitalisation Project, Parklife Doveton, Officer Town Centre (Major Activity Centre), and Rowan Drive Doveton Development Plan (Ilim College Doveton Campus Expansion). The following list details those 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.

Employment drivers in Doveton are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Doveton has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector notably represented. The unemployment rate was 14.8% in June 2025, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. As of June 2025, 5,136 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 10.1%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Doveton lagged at 50.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were construction, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance.

Construction showed a particularly high concentration, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 3.8%, versus the regional average of 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9% and labour force increased by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 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. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggested potential future demand within Doveton. These projections estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations across industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Doveton's employment mix indicated local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Doveton's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $43,679. The average income stood at $47,176 during the same period. In Greater Melbourne, these figures were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Doveton's median income would be approximately $48,990 and average income around $52,913, based on a 12.16% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Doveton fall between the 10th and 18th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment comprises 30.6% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, mirroring regional levels at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Doveton, with only 80.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 14th percentile nationally.

Doveton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Doveton, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 29 August 2016, comprised 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metropolitan area's 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doveton was at 23.7%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (43.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as recorded on 29 August 2016, was $1,500, which is below Melbourne metro's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent figure for Doveton was $320, compared to Melbourne metro's $370. Nationally, Doveton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Doveton features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.2% of all households, consisting of 30.4% couples with children, 17.7% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 7.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

Doveton 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 at 19.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 31.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (20.6%).

Educational participation is high at 32.2%, including 9.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education. Doveton has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 947 students, with varied educational conditions across the area. The educational mix includes 1 primary school, 3 secondary schools, and 3 K-12 schools. Local school capacity is limited at 7.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.0, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 46 active stops operating in Doveton, consisting of bus services only. These stops are served by 11 different routes, offering a total of 2,235 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 202 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 319 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Doveton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Doveton residents have relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions compared to the general population. However, prevalence is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low in Doveton, at approximately 46% (around 5,922 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 53.6%.

Nationally, it stands at 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.8% of residents respectively. About 73.0% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.0%. Doveton has 13.6% (1,754 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.7%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

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

Doveton's population is highly diverse, with 63.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 59.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 36.0%. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented at 29.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 11.4%.

In ancestry, 'Other' is highest at 39.6%, surpassing the regional average of 22.0%. English and Australian ancestries are lower than averages: English at 12.4% (vs 18.1%) and Australian at 11.2% (vs 17.5%). Notable ethnic group divergences include Serbian at 4.3%, Sri Lankan at 1.7%, and Hungarian at 0.5%.

Doveton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Doveton's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Doveton has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.1%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 15.1% to 16.8%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 19.1% to 17.9%. By 2041, Doveton's population is projected to experience significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 43%, adding 616 residents to reach a total of 2,046. Conversely, the 0-4 age group shows minimal growth, increasing by just 9% (85 people).