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

Doveton's population is approximately 12,887 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 998 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,889. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates: 12,820 in June 2024 and an additional 350 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 2,483 persons per square kilometer, placing Doveton in the upper quartile nationally. The area's growth of 8.4% since 2021 exceeds its SA3 region's 6.1%, indicating it is a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.6% to recent population gains.

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 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project an above median growth, with Doveton expected to grow by 2,851 persons to 2041, an increase of 21.4% 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. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 654 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 22 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built annually over these five years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand. This provides greater buyer choice and supports potential population growth above projections.

The average construction cost of new properties is $336,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, Doveton has recorded $8.4 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Comparing Doveton to Greater Melbourne shows 75.0% more development activity per person, providing ample choice for buyers despite a slowdown in recent years. New building activity comprises 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 78.0% houses. This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 155 people added per approval, Doveton reflects a developing area.

Future projections indicate Doveton adding 2,756 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely influencing the area. Key projects are Doveton Pool in the Park Revitalisation Project, Officer Precinct Structure Plan Major Activity Centre, Parklife Doveton, and Rowan Drive Doveton Development Plan (Ilim College Doveton Campus Expansion). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Doveton had an unemployment rate of 14.8% in the construction sector as of June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year. The area had 5,136 residents employed at this time, while its unemployment rate was 10.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Workforce participation in Doveton lagged behind Greater Melbourne, with a rate of 50.5% compared to the region's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents were construction, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Construction had particularly high representation, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 3.8%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to June 2025 in Doveton, employment levels increased by 2.9% and labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5%, labour force expansion of 4.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 showed that Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year (adding 39,880 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Victoria's employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected a national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Doveton's employment mix suggested 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. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, estimated median income in Doveton is approximately $48,095, with average income at around $51,945. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Doveton fall between the 10th and 18th percentiles nationally. The largest segment of residents earns $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, comprising 30.6% (3,943 residents), similar to 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 per the latest Census, was 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doveton was 23.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (43.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,900. Median weekly rent 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 account for 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 constitute 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 Greater Melbourne's average of 2.9 people.

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%. 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. There are seven schools operating within Doveton, educating approximately 947 students. The educational mix includes one primary school, three secondary schools, and three K-12 schools. Local school capacity is limited at 7.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.0, resulting in many families traveling nearby for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Doveton shows 46 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 11 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 2,235 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 202 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 319 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 shows a relatively positive health profile with low prevalence of common conditions among its residents compared to the general population. However, this rate is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low in Doveton, with approximately 46% of the total population (~5,928 people) having it, compared to Greater Melbourne's 53.6%.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.4% and 6.8% of residents respectively. A total of 73.0% of Doveton residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.0%. Doveton has 13.6% of its population aged 65 and over (1,756 people), which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.7%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area present some challenges that require more attention compared to 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 high degree of cultural diversity, with 63.7% of its population 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 notably overrepresented, making up 29.6%, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 11.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other', at 39.6%, English at 12.4%, and Australian at 11.2%. These figures differ substantially from regional averages: 'Other' is much higher (39.6% vs 22.0%), while English and Australian are notably lower (12.4% vs 18.1% and 11.2% vs 17.5%, respectively). Certain ethnic groups also show notable variations in representation: Serbian is significantly overrepresented at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 1.4%, Sri Lankan is underrepresented at 1.7% (vs 2.3%), and Hungarian is slightly underrepresented at 0.5% (vs 0.7%).

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 Australia's average of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Doveton has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents 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, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Doveton. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 43%, adding 615 residents to reach a total of 2,046. In contrast, the 0-4 age group is projected to grow minimally by 9% (84 people).