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

Meadow Heights' population was approximately 15,039 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 149 individuals (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,890 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,960 in June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,248 persons per square kilometer, placing Meadow Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth, contributing approximately 70.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. By 2041, Meadow Heights is forecasted to have a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with an expected growth of 5,331 persons, reflecting a total increase of 34.9% 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 approximately 31 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 158 homes. As of FY26, 18 approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, but development activity has been adequate relative to population change, which is positive for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $227,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY26, $336,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne. Meadow Heights records markedly lower building activity (84.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 56.0% standalone homes and 44.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a growing mix of housing types providing options across different price points. 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 demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 635 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Meadow Heights is projected to add 5,252 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that are expected to impact this area notably. Among these key projects are Meadow Heights Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Upfield Corridor - Rail Extension to Roxburgh Park, Canadian Court Reserve Playspace Improvements, Redwood Close Reserve Playspace Upgrade. 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 conditions in Meadow Heights face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Meadow Heights has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 17.5% in September 2025. Employment grew by 1.0% over the past year.

As of that date, 4882 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 12.8%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation lagged at 49.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 13.8% of residents worked from home. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.

The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at twice the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 4.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force rose by 1.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Meadow Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Meadow Heights SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,214 and an average income of $49,012 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,779 (median) and $53,055 (average). Census data showed household income ranked at the 18th percentile with a weekly income of $1,274, while personal income was at the 1st percentile. The earnings profile indicated that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 30.2% of residents (4,541 people), similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 80.7% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 in Meadow Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.3% houses and 17.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadow Heights was 27.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.3% and rented ones at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,460, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Meadow Heights was $346, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Meadow Heights' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,460 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $346 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.4% of all households, including 44.3% couples with children, 16.8% couples without children, and 19.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.6%, with lone person households at 14.8% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (16.6%). Educational participation is high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.8% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

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

Meadow Heights has 62 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by seven different routes, facilitating a total of 1,863 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living just 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most Meadow Heights residents commute outwards daily, primarily using cars (91%). On average, each dwelling owns 1.5 vehicles, surpassing the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 266 trips per day, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per stop.

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

Meadow Heights faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 46% of Meadow Heights' total population (~6,932 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.2%) and diabetes (6.9%). Conversely, 71.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are generally typical. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,173 people), with senior health outcomes presenting some challenges but broadly aligning with national rankings.

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 has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with half of its population born overseas and three-quarters speaking a language other than English at home. Islam is the predominant religion in Meadow Heights, accounting for over half of the population, which is significantly higher than the 5.6% figure across Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (50.9%), Australian (11.5%), and English (8.9%).

The proportion of people with Other ancestry in Meadow Heights is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%. Conversely, the proportion of people with Australian ancestry is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%, as is the proportion with English ancestry at 20.1%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Lebanese (8.5% vs 0.8%), Vietnamese (3.6% vs 1.9%), and Samoan (1.2% vs 0.3%) are overrepresented in Meadow Heights compared to regional averages.

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

Meadow Heights has a median age of 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Meadow Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 7.4% to 8.8%, while the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.6% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.2% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for Meadow Heights in 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 cohort at 48%, adding 800 residents to reach a total of 2,461.