Doveton

Population growth drivers in Doveton are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Doveton's population is approximately 12,874 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 985 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,889. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,812 in June 2024 and an additional 348 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,480 persons per square kilometer, placing Doveton in the upper quartile compared to other national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Doveton's growth rate of 8.3% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (6.1%), indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.6% 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 utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is projected to grow by 2,851 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 21.5% in total over the 17-year period.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 654 homes were approved, with an additional 60 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties has been $244,000, which is under regional levels, offering more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY26, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Doveton has 75.0% more development activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity comprises approximately 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% townhouses or apartments.

This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a significant departure from the current housing pattern of 78.0% houses. Doveton reflects a developing area with around 155 people per approval. Future projections estimate Doveton will add approximately 2,769 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Doveton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely influencing the region. Key initiatives include Doveton Pool in the Park Revitalisation Project, Officer Town Centre (Major Activity Centre), Rowan Drive Doveton Development Plan (Ilim College Doveton Campus Expansion), and Parklife Doveton. The following list details those 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's workforce is skilled with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 14.5% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.9%. There were 5,154 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 9.8%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Doveton was 50.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were construction, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance.

Construction had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 3.8% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9% and labour force increased by 4.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Doveton. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Doveton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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

The Doveton SA2's median income among taxpayers was $43,679 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $47,176 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,990 (median) and $52,913 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Doveton fall between the 10th and 17th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 30.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,939 residents), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. 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 (2016), comprised 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, it was 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doveton was 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented ones at 43.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Melbourne metro's $1,900. Median weekly rent was $320 compared to Melbourne metro's $370. Nationally, Doveton's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863 and 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 comprise 65.2% of all households, including 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's university qualification rate is 19.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are common, with 31.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (20.6%). Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.9% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis indicates that there are currently 46 active public transport stops in Doveton. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 11 individual routes operating weekly. The combined passenger trips across these routes amount to 2,235 weekly.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents on average located approximately 202 meters from their nearest stop. The service frequency averages at 319 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly 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 for Doveton indicates relatively positive outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its residents compared to the general population. However, this prevalence is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Doveton is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,922 people), which compares to 53.6% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.4 and 6.8% of residents respectively. A total of 73.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.0% across Greater Melbourne. Doveton has 13.6% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,754 people), which is lower than the 15.7% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than 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 has a highly diverse population, with 63.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 59.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Doveton, comprising 36.0% of its population. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 29.6% of Doveton's population.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 39.6%, substantially higher than the regional average of 22.0%. English and Australian ancestry are notably lower in Doveton compared to regional averages, at 12.4% and 11.2% respectively. There are notable differences in representation for certain ethnic groups: Serbian (4.3%) is overrepresented compared to the region's average of 1.4%, while Sri Lankan (1.7%) is underrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.3%. Hungarian ancestry is also slightly lower than the regional average, at 0.5% versus 0.7%.

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

At 34 years, Doveton's median age is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and considerably younger than Australia's 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 the present day, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 15.1% to 16.8% of Doveton's population while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 19.1% to 17.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Doveton. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 43%, adding 616 residents to reach a total of 2,046. In contrast, the 0 to 4 age group shows minimal growth of just 9%, with an increase of 85 people.