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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in Melbourne CBD - East are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends
Melbourne CBD - East's population was around 14,272 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 4,424 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,848. The change was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 14,266 in June 2025 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 17,840 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% nationally. The area's growth rate of 44.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both state (9.3%) and national averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 98.1% 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, it 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, Melbourne CBD - East is forecasted to increase its population by 4,052 persons, reflecting a total increase of 28.4% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Melbourne CBD - East according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Melbourne CBD - East averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Between FY21-FY25, 7 homes were approved, with none yet recorded in FY26. Each year, an average of 166.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these five financial years.
This significant demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. In FY26, $558.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Melbourne CBD - East has less development activity, which typically supports stronger demand and values for established properties.
This limited activity also falls below national levels, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. By 2041, Melbourne CBD - East is projected to grow by 4,046 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Melbourne CBD - East
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Melbourne CBD - East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 potential impact projects. Notable ones include Level Crossing Removal Project, Greenline Project - Birrarung Marr, Greenline Project, and Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Greenline Project
The Greenline Project is a transformational 4km urban renewal initiative creating a continuous promenade along the north bank of the Yarra River (Birrarung). It connects five precincts: Birrarung Marr, The Falls, River Park, Maritime, and Saltwater Wharf. As of mid-2026, the first major stage at Birrarung Marr is complete, featuring 450 metres of new boardwalks, native habitat restoration, and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung cultural design elements. Planning and detailed design are currently underway for the central riverfront sections, including Federation Wharf and Flinders Walk.
Metro Tunnel Project
The Metro Tunnel is a city-shaping 9km twin-tunnel underground rail project featuring five new stations: Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac. The project enables a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury to Cranbourne/Pakenham, utilizing High Capacity Signalling, platform screen doors, and new High Capacity Metro Trains to support turn-up-and-go services every 2-3 minutes during peak periods. While limited passenger services began on 30 November 2025 as part of a 'Summer Start' program, the project reached full operational integration on 1 February 2026. This 'Big Switch' introduced over 1,000 extra weekly services and a network-wide timetable overhaul, significantly increasing capacity across Melbourne's metropolitan rail network.
Level Crossing Removal Project
Victorian Government program to remove 110 dangerous and congested level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne by 2030. The program has removed 88 crossings to date, is rebuilding or upgrading stations and rail infrastructure, and is creating new public open space while improving safety, reducing congestion and making train services more reliable.
Ian Potter State Theatre Refurbishment
A major refurbishment of the heritage-listed State Theatre at Arts Centre Melbourne, renamed the Ian Potter State Theatre following a philanthropic donation from the Ian Potter Foundation. The first significant upgrade since the venue opened in 1984, the works expand the Theatres Building footprint by 16 percent and include new lifts and accessible seating across all three levels, full replacement of seating, refreshed interiors honouring John Truscott's original design, improved acoustics, new state-of-the-art lighting, sound and broadcast technology, and upgraded heating, cooling and fire protection systems. The project also delivers a doubled-size loading dock, a new flexible rehearsal space the same size as the State Theatre stage with an adjoining function room, a new accessible stage door, two new hospitality outlets opening onto the Laak Boorndap urban garden, and four new wheelchair accessible amenities plus two all-gender amenities in the foyers. Construction commenced in March 2024 with Lendlease as principal contractor and NH Architects leading the design. The theatre is now scheduled to reopen in October 2026, six months ahead of the original schedule, as the first completed milestone of the wider 1.7 billion dollar Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. My Fair Lady will be the first major musical to perform in the refurbished venue from November 2026, with The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia returning as resident companies.
The Fox: NGV Contemporary
Set to be Australia's largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design, The Fox: NGV Contemporary will span 30,000 square metres including more than 13,000 square metres of public exhibition space. Designed by Angelo Candalepas and Associates with a team of 20 leading architecture and engineering firms, the building will feature dramatic arched entries, a colossal 40-metre-high spherical orientating hall (the omphalos) and a dual-level rooftop terrace and sculpture garden with views over Melbourne. The gallery is the centrepiece of the Victorian Government's 1.7 billion dollar Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, which also delivers the 18,000 square metre Laak Boorndap urban garden and major upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne's Theatres Building. The former Carlton United Breweries building on the site was deconstructed in 2024, with 95 per cent of materials diverted from landfill. Lendlease was appointed head contractor in March 2025 and is delivering the gallery alongside part of the Laak Boorndap deck structure and precinct services. Piling works are progressing on the site, with construction expected to support around 11,000 jobs across the wider precinct project. The gallery is targeted for completion in 2028.
Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal
A transformative multi-stage program to modernize Australia's largest 19th-century market. The flagship southern precinct, Gurrowa Place, is a $1.7 billion mixed-use development delivered by Lendlease and Scape. It features three towers providing build-to-rent apartments, student accommodation, and affordable housing. Key elements include the 1.8-hectare Market Square public park replacing the current open-air car park, restoration of the heritage Franklin Street Stores into retail and hospitality, and a new 220-space basement car park. Heritage shed restorations and core trader facilities were largely completed by 2024, with site works for the southern towers commencing in 2026.
Greenline Project - Birrarung Marr
Waterfront revitalization project transforming 450 metres of the Yarra River's north bank at Birrarung Marr with new boardwalks, promenades, native habitats, and greening. Enhances public spaces, celebrates Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung culture, and improves biodiversity and connectivity. Part of the broader Greenline project revitalizing the north bank of the Yarra River.
Elgin Towers Carlton Social Housing Redevelopment
Redevelopment of two 1960s public housing towers in Carlton, replacing 196 old dwellings with 248 new modern, energy-efficient, and accessible social homes. The project features apartments ranging from studios to 4- and 5-bedroom units, private balconies, communal spaces, and achieves 5-star Green Star and 7-star NatHERS ratings. It is a partnership between the Australian and Victorian Governments under the Social Housing Accelerator Program.
Employment
Employment conditions in Melbourne CBD - East demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets
Melbourne CBD - East has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 5.1%.
As of December 2025, 10,294 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation was high at 76.3%. Census data showed 41.4% worked from home. Key industries included accommodation & food, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.
Employment in accommodation & food was particularly notable, at 3.0 times the regional average. Construction employed only 2.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. There were 10.6 workers per resident, indicating the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 5.1% while labour force grew by 5.0%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.4%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years for Melbourne CBD - East, based on its industry mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
The Melbourne CBD - East SA2 had median taxpayer income of $41,082 and average income of $64,515 in financial year 2023. Greater Melbourne's figures were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $45,034 and average income $70,721. According to Census 2021 data, personal income ranks at the 64th percentile ($884 weekly) and household income at the 36th percentile. Income brackets show that 32.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Melbourne CBD - East features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Melbourne CBD - East's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 0.0% houses and 100.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Melbourne CBD - East was 15.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 13.4% and rented ones at 71.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,770, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $375, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were comparable at $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Melbourne CBD - East features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 36.6% of all households, including 6.2% that are couples with children, 24.6% that are couples without children, and 2.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 63.4%, with lone person households at 49.4% and group households comprising 14.2%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Melbourne CBD - East exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
Educational attainment in Melbourne CBD - East is notably high. As of 2021, 61.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications. This compares favourably with the broader Australian benchmark of 30.4% and Victoria's figure of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%).
Vocational pathways account for 18.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 11.1% and certificates 7.0%. Educational participation is high, with 41.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2021. This includes 24.2% in tertiary education, 2.1% in primary education, and 1.7% pursuing secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis shows 35 active stops operating in Melbourne CBD - East. These include lightrail and bus services. There are 57 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 41,377 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 71 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commute outward. Walking is common at 30%, while 22% use trains.
Vehicle ownership averages 0.1 per dwelling, below regional average. High number of residents work from home, 41.4%. Service frequency averages 5,911 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 1182 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Melbourne CBD - East's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Melbourne CBD - East shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.
Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~7,307 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area were mental health issues (7.9%) and asthma (5.4%). Notably, 82.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. As of 5th June 2022, 5.7% of residents were aged 65 and over (807 people), lower than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Melbourne CBD - East is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Melbourne CBD - East has a population where 54.7% speak a language other than English at home, with 65.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Melbourne CBD - East, comprising 25.1%. Buddhism's representation stands at 10.3%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.
The top ancestry groups are Chinese (23.3%), Other (18.2%), and English (14.9%). Notably, Korean (1.6%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.3%. Vietnamese representation is at 2.1% versus a regional average of 1.9%, while Indian stands at 5.7% compared to 4.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Melbourne CBD - East hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
Melbourne CBD - East has a median age of 27 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the area has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (39.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (1.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. According to the 2021 Census, Melbourne CBD - East has become younger, with its median age decreasing by 2.6 years to 27 from a previous figure of 30. The proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 21.8% to 28.2%, while the 25-34 age group rose from 35.9% to 39.3%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group decreased from 16.8% to 13.1%, and the 55-64 age group fell from 6.4% to 4.4%. Demographic projections suggest that Melbourne CBD - East's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to increase by 1,365 people (24%), rising from 5,613 to 6,979.