Melbourne CBD - East
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Melbourne CBD - East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Melbourne CBD - East's population was approximately 13,710 as of Aug 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 3,862 people from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,848. The change is inferred from ABS estimates of 13,697 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 17,137 persons per square kilometer, placing Melbourne CBD - East within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 39.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both national (8.6%) and state averages. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 97.6% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in Melbourne CBD - East, forecasted to grow by 4,487 persons by 2041 based on latest numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 32.6% over the 17 years.

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 has seen approximately one new home approved per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling seven approvals across the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, with no approvals so far in FY26. On average, around 166.7 new residents have arrived annually per dwelling constructed over these past five years. This significant demand outstrips new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

There have been $558.9 million worth of commercial approvals this financial year, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Melbourne CBD - East has recorded notably lower building activity, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also below the national average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Future projections indicate Melbourne CBD - East adding 4,474 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Melbourne CBD - East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of a region can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 36 such projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are the Metro Tunnel Project (Sunbury to Cranbourne/Pakenham), the Metro Tunnel Project, the Metro Tunnel (Melbourne), and the Metro Tunnel Project - Town Hall Station. The following list provides more details on those projects deemed most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Melbourne CBD - East demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Melbourne CBD - East has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025, below Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 7.0% over the past year. As of June 2025, there were 9,740 residents in work with a workforce participation rate of 67.7%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include accommodation & food (3.0 times the regional level), professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Construction employs just 2.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

There are 10.6 workers for every resident, indicating the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 7.0%, labour force by 7.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for Melbourne CBD - East suggest local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's current employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Melbourne CBD - East has a median income of $42,906 and an average income of $65,672 among taxpayers according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for the financial year 2022. This compares with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. By March 2025, these figures are estimated to have grown by approximately $4,338 (median) and $6,639 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11%. The 2021 Census shows Melbourne CBD - East's personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($884 weekly), with household income at the 36th percentile. Income distribution data indicates that 32.1% of locals (4,400 people) fall within the $1,500-$2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region's 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.6% of income remaining post-housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Melbourne CBD - East features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Melbourne CBD - East, as per the latest Census, there were 0.0% houses and 100.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 2.2% houses and 97.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Melbourne CBD - East stood at 15.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 13.4% and rented ones at 71.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,770, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,962. The median weekly rent was $375, compared to Melbourne metro's $396. Nationally, the area's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,770 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

Melbourne CBD - East features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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 1.8.

The educational profile of Melbourne CBD - East exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Melbourne CBD - East has a higher educational attainment than national averages. 61.8% of its residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (37.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 18.1%, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 7.0%.

Educational participation is high, 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. The area's four schools have a combined enrollment of 146 students. Melbourne CBD - East has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1037) with balanced educational opportunities. Secondary education dominates with four schools, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments due to limited local school capacity (1.1 places per 100 residents vs 6.9 regionally). Many families travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis indicates that as of 30th March 2021, there are 33 active transport stops operating within Melbourne CBD - East. These stops serve a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. The total number of individual routes servicing these stops is 56, collectively facilitating 25,919 weekly passenger trips.

Residents in the area enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 72 meters to the nearest transport stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 3,702 trips per day, translating to approximately 785 weekly trips per individual stop.

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, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% (~7,184 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.0%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.9% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A total of 82.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 79.8% across Greater Melbourne. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 6.0%, comprising 825 people. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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 culturally diverse population, with 54.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 65.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in this area, accounting for 25.1% of its population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented here compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 10.3% versus 7.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (23.3%), Other (18.2%), and English (14.9%). Some other ethnic groups also show notable divergences: Korean is slightly overrepresented at 1.6%, Indian at 5.7%, and Vietnamese at 2.1%.

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 Australia's median age of 38. The area has a significant proportion of people aged 25-34 (38.5%), while those aged 5-14 make up only 1.5% of the population, compared to larger percentages in Greater Melbourne and nationally. According to post-2021 Census data, there has been a rejuvenation of the population, with the median age falling from 30 to 28 years. The population aged 15-24 grew from 21.8% to 27.8%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 35.9% to 38.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group declined from 16.8% to 13.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 6.4% to 4.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Melbourne CBD - East, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow by 28%, adding 1,470 residents to reach a total of 6,746.