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.
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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.
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What it costs to rent in Melton
Median weekly rents, year-on-year movement and bond-lodgement activity for Melton (3337). Sourced from the NSW Rental Bond Board, DCJ Family & Community Services.
Median rent
$390
per week · Q3 2025
YoY change
▲+2.1%
vs same quarter last year
Active bonds
≈0
est. · currently held
New bonds
≈129
est. · this quarter
Latest Quarter Breakdown · Q3 2025
| Dwelling | Bedrooms | Median $/wk | Active bonds | New bonds (Qtr) | YoY | Quality |
|---|
SOURCE: NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ Family & Community Services), processed by AreaSearch. Imputed values are flagged. Latest publication:
Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in Melton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
Melton's population was around 8,050 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 164 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,886. The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 8,007 in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 816 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.1% of overall population gains recently.
AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch used VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting with weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is projected to expand by 1,341 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 16.1% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Melton is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Melton has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 62 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded so far. Despite a falling population during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to the decline in residents, which is positive for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $283,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.
In FY-26, $5.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Melton records significantly lower building activity, 94.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply 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 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 83.0% houses. The estimated population density of 1147 people per dwelling approval reflects Melton's quiet, low activity development environment.
According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Melton is projected to add 1,298 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Melton
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Melton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Melton Line Upgrade and Level Crossing Removals, Melton Line Upgrade & Cobblebank Stabling Yard, Melton Suburban Revitalisation, and Stockland Atherstone. 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
Melton East Precinct Structure Plan
The Melton East Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) is a significant masterplanned development spanning 1,005 hectares within Melbourne's western growth corridor. Facilitated by Amendment C244melt, the project is designed to support approximately 12,900 to 14,000 new homes for over 40,000 residents. Key features include two neighbourhood activity centres, 53 hectares of open space, and dedicated conservation areas for the Growling Grass Frog along Kororoit Creek. As of early 2026, the project has progressed through the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) review and is finalising land valuations and infrastructure contribution plans for ministerial approval.
New Melton Hospital
Victoria's first all-electric public hospital is under construction in Cobblebank to serve Melbourne's growing outer west. The PPP project will include a 24-hour emergency department, at least 274 beds, intensive care, maternity and neonatal services, mental health, radiology and ambulatory care. VHBA reported in April 2026 that structural works had begun, five of six tower cranes were in place, bulk excavation was finished, 26,500 square metres of concrete had been poured, and completion remained on track for 2029.
Melton Line Upgrade & Cobblebank Stabling Yard
A $650 million upgrade to the Melton Line to enable 9-car VLocity trains, increasing peak capacity by 50%. The project includes extending platforms at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs, and Deer Park stations, and constructing a new 6-train stabling yard at Cobblebank. It is integrated with the removal of four level crossings (Exford, Ferris, Coburns, and Hopkins roads) and a new four-platform Melton Station. Recent 2026 updates confirm construction is underway on the stabling yard and platform extensions at Rockbank and Cobblebank are slated for late 2026. A further $152.7 million was committed in May 2026 to begin planning for future electrification.
Melton Line Upgrade and Level Crossing Removals
A major Victorian Government rail program that combines the removal of four level crossings in Melton and Truganina (Coburns Road, Exford Road, Ferris Road and Hopkins Road) with a wider upgrade of the Melton Line. New rail bridges will carry trains over Coburns and Exford roads, while new road bridges will be built over the rail line at Ferris Road and Hopkins Road, with shared walking and cycling paths. A new elevated Melton Station with four platforms will be built to suit longer 9-car VLocity trains and accommodate Ballarat services, with an accessible pedestrian link, lifts, a relocated bus interchange, pick-up and drop-off zones, an air-conditioned waiting room and staffed ticket office. A new train stabling yard is also being built at Cobblebank near Abey Road, around 700 metres east of the new Melton Station, to house the new fleet and be future-proofed for electrification. Once complete, the upgrade is expected to lift peak passenger capacity on the line by about 50 per cent and remove boom gates from the section, easing congestion for around 73,000 vehicles a day. All four level crossings are due to be gone and the new Melton Station open in 2026, two years ahead of the original schedule, with longer 9-car VLocity trains running on the line from 2027.
Western Freeway Upgrade (Melton to Caroline Springs)
Major upgrade of a 17km section of the Western Freeway to an urban freeway standard, improving safety, access, and capacity for a projected 113,000 daily vehicles by 2031. The project includes additional lanes, new and upgraded interchanges (including Bulmans Road, Paynes Road, Leakes Road, Harkness Road, and Christies Road), improved walking and cycling paths, and better public transport facilities. A $1.1 billion federal funding commitment was confirmed in March 2025 to support the Victorian Government's delivery of the project. Detailed planning and design are underway, following the completion of the program business case in late 2024.
Woodgrove Shopping Centre Expansion and Renewal (Melton)
Multi stage expansion and renewal of Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton West, including the major $150m regional mall expansion completed in 2013 and the upgraded outdoor dining precinct and childrens play area that opened in December 2022. The centre now offers more than 150 specialty stores, cinemas and a family focused dining hub, and continues to be planned as a key major activity centre with further value add opportunities and a future Woodgrove Area Plan being progressed by Melton City Council.
Melton Suburban Revitalisation
Victorian Government Suburban Revitalisation program, delivered in partnership with Melton City Council, to reinvigorate Melton Town Centre. Includes streetscape upgrades on High Street, McKenzie Street and Unitt Street, outdoor dining precincts, Kid Zone in Civic Heart, shopfront improvement grants, events and activations, digital strategy, accessibility improvements, public spaces and trader support. Total program funding approximately $3.277 million (some sources indicate minor additional grants), running from 2021 with staged works continuing into 2026.
Masjid Tawheed Melton Community Hub
A major community hub project on 27 acres serving Melton's rapidly growing Muslim community of over 15,000 residents. The development will feature Masjid Tawheed as the central prayer building, along with comprehensive facilities including a gymnasium, cafe, learning centers, and community gathering spaces. This multi-purpose complex aims to foster unity, provide educational opportunities, and strengthen social cohesion between the Muslim and broader Melton community. The project represents one of the largest community centers in Australia by land area and will serve as a vital hub for worship, education, and community services for future generations.
Employment
Employment conditions in Melton face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Melton's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 15.2%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%.
As of December 2025, 3079 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 10.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Home-based work accounts for 14.3% of jobs, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. Professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There are 0.8 workers per resident, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, while the labour force rose by 4.2%, leading to a 2.3 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 2.4% over the same period, with a smaller rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Melton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
The Melton SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $41,300 and an average income of $46,819 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 in the same period. By March 2026, estimates suggest that the median income will be approximately $45,273 and the average income will be around $51,323, accounting for a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Melton all fall within the 5th to 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the majority of residents (30.0%, or 2,415 people) earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, which differs from regional levels where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket is most common at 32.8%. Melton faces severe housing affordability pressures, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking it at the 5th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Melton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Melton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.2% houses and 16.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Melton stood at 33.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Melton was $300, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Melton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Melton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 63.9% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 17.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Melton fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.7%).
Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Melton has 59 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These are operated by 11 different routes, offering a total of 2,461 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 226 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Melton's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 88%, while trains are used by 5% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 14.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 351 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Melton is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Melton faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally low at approximately 46% of Melton's total population (around 3,694 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.
Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.2% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 58.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Melton has a larger senior population than Greater Melbourne, with 22.7% aged 65 and over (1,823 people) versus 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Melton was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Melton, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher proportion of overseas-born residents at 29.9%, compared to other local markets. Additionally, 24.9% of Melton's population spoke languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Melton, with 50.8%.
However, the 'Other' religious category showed a higher representation in Melton at 1.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (23.8%) and English (23.7%) were the top groups, both notably higher than regional averages of 18.4% and 15.9% respectively. 'Other' ancestry made up 12.5%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Maltese at 4.2%, Serbian at 0.8%, and Samoan at 1.1%, all higher than regional averages of 1.1%, 0.4%, and 0.3% respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Melton's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
The median age in Melton is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Melton has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (11.8% locally vs. an average), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (11.7%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 6.1% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 13.6% to 11.7%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 6.4% to 5.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Melton. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 46%, reaching 1,029 people from 706. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 54% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.