Merbein

Merbein has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Merbein's population is around 5,210 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 234 people (4.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,976 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,971 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Merbein's 4.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (1.5%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 62.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for regional areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to increase by 846 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Merbein according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Merbein has experienced around 25 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 127 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 23 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $356,000. Additionally, $5.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the rest of Victoria, Merbein shows comparable construction activity (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 188 people per approval, Merbein reflects a low density area.

Future projections show Merbein adding 607 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Merbein has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Lake Hawthorn Foreshore Development, Mildura Airport Terminal Expansion, Sunraysia Modernisation Project 2, and Mildura Base Public Hospital Intensive Care Unit Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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.

The exceptional employment performance in Merbein places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Merbein has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.3%, and 1.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,493 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (63.6% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 14.2% employment compared to 16.8% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.4% alongside a labour force decrease of 2.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 3.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Merbein. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Merbein's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Merbein SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,351, with an average of $53,574. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,340 (median) and $57,994 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Merbein all fall between the 22nd and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.4% of the community (1,635 individuals), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 88.2% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 28th percentile nationally.

Merbein is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Merbein, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Merbein was slightly lagging that of Regional Vic., at 37.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (46.2%) or rented (16.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,140, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Merbein's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Merbein has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 73.3% of all households, comprising 30.1% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Merbein fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.1%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.8% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 41 active transport stops operating within Merbein, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 171 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 301 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Merbein is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Merbein, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,427 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.3 and 9.7% of residents, respectively, while 62.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,064 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Merbein placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Merbein was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.0% of its population being citizens, 93.2% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Merbein is Christianity, which makes up 46.5% of people in Merbein, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Merbein are Australian, comprising 33.2% of the population, English, comprising 31.2% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 4.8% of Merbein (vs 2.9% regionally), German at 4.3% (vs 3.5%) and Croatian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Merbein's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Merbein's median age is similar to the Regional Vic. average of 43 while considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 5 - 14 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.9%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (6.4%) than in Regional Vic.. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Merbein. The 35 to 44 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 28%, adding 179 residents to reach 815. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts.