Chart Color Schemes
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.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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.
Find a Recent Sale
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 14,009 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 4,161 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,848. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,697 in June 2024 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 17,511 persons per square kilometer, placing Melbourne CBD - East in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth of 42.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing 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 projected to grow by 4,487 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 29.8% over the 17-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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, seven homes were approved, with zero approvals recorded so far in FY26. On average, 166.7 new residents arrived annually for each dwelling constructed during this period, indicating significant demand exceeding supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition.
This financial year has seen $558.9 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Melbourne CBD - East has notably less development activity, contributing to stronger demand and prices for existing properties due to scarcity of new homes. Nationally, this activity is also lower, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints.
By 2041, Melbourne CBD - East is projected to grow by 4,175 residents (as per the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Melbourne CBD - East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include Level Crossing Removal Project, Greenline Project - Birrarung Marr, Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network, and 17 Bennetts Lane. The following list details those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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 - Yarra River
The Greenline Project is a major 4km urban renewal initiative transforming the north bank of the Yarra River (Birrarung) into a continuous promenade. It connects five distinct precincts: Birrarung Marr, The Falls, River Park, Maritime, and Saltwater Wharf. As of early 2026, the first stage at Birrarung Marr (Site 1) has been completed and opened to the public, featuring 450 metres of new boardwalks, native habitats, and cultural spaces. Future stages include the River Park and The Falls precincts, with planning currently underway for the section between Birrarung Marr and the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium.
Arts Centre Melbourne Ian Potter State Theatre Upgrades
A comprehensive refurbishment of the heritage-listed State Theatre, now renamed the Ian Potter State Theatre following a major philanthropic donation. The project includes significant accessibility improvements such as new lifts and wheelchair positions across all three levels. Key features involve the replacement of all seating, enhanced acoustics, upgraded theatre technology (lighting, sound, and broadcast infrastructure), and modernized air-conditioning. The expansion also adds a 16% increase to the building footprint, facilitating an expanded loading dock, a new flexible rehearsal studio, and updated back-of-house facilities. New hospitality outlets will be integrated into the northern and western facades.
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
State-wide program to remove 110 level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne by 2030, with 88 already removed. The project aims to deliver safer roads, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable train services by rebuilding or upgrading 54 stations and creating over 31 MCGs of new community open space.
The Fox: NGV Contemporary
Australia's largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design, spanning 30,000 square metres with 13,000 square metres of exhibition space. Designed by Angelo Candalepas and Associates, it features a 40-metre-high spherical hall, dramatic arched entries, and a public rooftop sculpture garden with city views. As of early 2026, piling works are complete and basement excavation is ongoing alongside the construction of the Laak Boorndap urban garden deck.
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 performance in Melbourne CBD - East ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally
Melbourne CBD - East has an educated workforce with professional services being prominent. The unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 6.3%. As of September 2025, there were 10,204 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.7 percentage points lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.
Workforce participation was higher at 78.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 41.4% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment were accommodation & food, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The area had a strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share three times the regional level, while construction had limited presence at 2.8%.
There were 10.6 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 6.3% and labour force grew by 6.2%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Melbourne CBD - East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Melbourne CBD - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $41,082 and an average of $64,515. This is lower than the national average. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates suggest these figures will be approximately $44,471 (median) and $69,837 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 64th percentile ($884 weekly) and household income at the 36th percentile in Melbourne CBD - East SA2. Income analysis reveals that 32.1% of locals (4,496 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.6% of income remaining, 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 dwellings were entirely composed of non-house structures like apartments at the latest Census. This contrasted with Melbourne's overall 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in this area was 15.1%, lower than Melbourne metro's level, while mortgaged dwellings accounted for 13.4% and rented ones for 71.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment here was $1,770, significantly lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent was $375, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's figure of $390 but comparable to Australia's national average of $375 for rents. Nationally, mortgage repayments in this area were lower at $1,770 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.
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, consisting of 6.2% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 2.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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 shows a significant advantage with 61.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.4% and graduate diplomas at 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 in the area, with 41.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
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 within Melbourne CBD - East. These include a mix of light rail and bus services. There are 57 individual routes servicing these stops, providing collectively 41,377 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 71 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Walking is notably common at 30%, while train use accounts for 22%.
Vehicle ownership averages 0.1 per dwelling, below regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 41.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 5,911 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 1182 weekly trips per individual 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 assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.
Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~7,172 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.9 and 5.4% of residents respectively. 82.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 6.4% of residents aged 65 and over (892 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line 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, at 25.1%. Buddhism, however, is significantly higher at 10.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.
The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (23.3%), Other (18.2%), and English (14.9%). Notably, Korean (1.6%) and Vietnamese (2.1%) are overrepresented in Melbourne CBD - East compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Similarly, Indian ancestry is also higher at 5.7%.
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 28, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and also younger than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-old group is particularly prominent at 38.5%, while the 5-14 year-old group is comparatively smaller at 1.4% compared to Greater Melbourne. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national figure of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows a rejuvenation in the area, with the median age falling from 30 to 28 years. Key changes include the 15-24 year-old group growing from 21.8% to 27.2%, and the 25-34 year-old cohort increasing from 35.9% to 38.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 year-old group has declined from 16.8% to 13.4%, and the 55-64 year-old group has dropped from 6.4% to 4.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Melbourne CBD - East, with the 25-34 year-old cohort showing the strongest projected growth at 25%, adding 1,352 residents to reach 6,746.