Meadow Heights

An assessment of population growth drivers in Meadow Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Meadow Heights's population is around 15,039 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 149 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,890 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,960 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,248 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 70.7% 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 5,331 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 34.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Meadow Heights, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Meadow Heights has seen around 31 new homes approved annually, totalling 158 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $227,000 —below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $336,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Meadow Heights records markedly lower building activity (84.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 56.0% standalone homes and 44.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 82.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 635 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Future projections show Meadow Heights adding 5,252 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Meadow Heights Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Upfield Corridor - Rail Extension to Roxburgh Park, Canadian Court Reserve Playspace Improvements, and Redwood Close Reserve Playspace Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 Meadow Heights are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Meadow Heights features a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 14.1%, and 3.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,016 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 9.3% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (49.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 4.3% of Meadow Heights's workforce compared to 10.1% in Greater Melbourne. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.8% while the labour force decreased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 3.8 percentage points. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, the labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Meadow Heights. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Meadow Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Meadow Heights SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $43,214 and an average of $49,012 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,779 (median) and $53,055 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 18th percentile ($1,274 weekly), while personal income sits at the 1st percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.2% of residents (4,541 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Meadow Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.3% houses and 17.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Meadow Heights slightly lagged that of Melbourne metro, at 27.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.3%) or rented (31.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,460, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $346, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Meadow Heights's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Meadow Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 82.4% of all households, comprising 44.3% couples with children, 16.8% couples without children, and 19.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 14.8% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 3.3 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Meadow Heights 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 (17.9%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (16.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 62 active transport stops operating within Meadow Heights, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,863 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 13.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 266 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Meadow Heights is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Meadow Heights, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~6,932 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and diabetes, impacting 7.2 and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 71.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,173 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Meadow Heights is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 50.0% of its population born overseas and 74.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Meadow Heights is Islam, which makes up 52.7% of the population, compared to 5.6% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Meadow Heights are Other, comprising 50.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%; Australian, comprising 11.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%; and English, comprising 8.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Lebanese is notably overrepresented at 8.5% of Meadow Heights (vs 0.8% regionally), Vietnamese at 3.6% (vs 1.9%), and Samoan at 1.2% (vs 0.3%).

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

At 34 years, Meadow Heights's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Meadow Heights has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (12.8%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (12.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.6% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Meadow Heights. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 48%, adding 800 residents to reach 2,461.