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, as of May 2026, is approximately 14,847, a decrease of 43 people from the 2021 Census figure of 14,890. This decline is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 14,841 in June 2025 and the addition of 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 3,206 persons per square kilometer, placing Meadow Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.7% 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Meadow Heights is projected to grow by 5,222 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 35.1% over the 16-year period.

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. In the current financial year FY26, 25 approvals have been recorded so far. The population has fallen during this period, but development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, which is positive for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $227,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY26, $336,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Meadow Heights records markedly lower building activity at 83.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's development activity is also below average nationally, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 56.0% standalone homes and 44.0% townhouses or apartments, showing a growing mix of housing types to provide options across different price points. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 82.0% houses. The location has approximately 635 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Meadow Heights is projected to add 5,216 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 an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Meadow Heights Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Canadian Court Reserve Playspace Improvements, Redwood Close Reserve Playspace Upgrade, and 1500 Pascoe Vale Road Business Park. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Meadow Heights has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 14.1% as of December 2025, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%.

In December 2025, 5,016 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.3%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Meadow Heights lagged significantly at 49.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Based on Census responses, 13.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.

The area had a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 4.3% of Meadow Heights's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, while labour force decreased by 0.8%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 3.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Meadow Heights' employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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 of $49,012 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This was below 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 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,371 (median) and $53,727 (average) as of March 2026. 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 that 30.2% of residents (4,483 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, 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 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

The dwelling structure in Meadow Heights, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.3% houses and 17.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadow Heights was at 27.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.3% and rented dwellings at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,460, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Meadow Heights was $346, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Meadow Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 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 and above holding them. This includes advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (16.6%).

Educational participation is 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by seven different routes that collectively facilitate 1,863 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 177 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most residents commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 91%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The 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

Meadow Heights faces substantial health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~6,844 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (7.2%) and diabetes (6.9%), with 71.6% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. Meadow Heights has 14.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,077 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes 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 has a population where 50.0% were born overseas, with 74.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Islam is the predominant religion in Meadow Heights, comprising 52.7%, compared to 5.6% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding ancestry, the top groups are Other (50.9%), Australian (11.5%), and English (8.9%).

These figures differ significantly from regional averages: Other (14.6%), Australian (18.4%), and English (20.1%). Notably, Lebanese, Vietnamese, and Samoan ethnicities are overrepresented in Meadow Heights at 8.5%, 3.6%, and 1.2% respectively, compared to regional figures of 0.8%, 1.9%, and 0.3%.

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 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Meadow Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 7.4% to 8.6%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Meadow Heights, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group, expected to increase by 49%, adding 806 residents to reach a total of 2,457.