Merbein
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Merbein's population is 5,197 as of August 2025, having increased by 221 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.4% increase from the previously recorded figure of 4,976. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 4,972 as of June 2024 and an additional 116 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer. Merbein's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (0%) and SA3 area since the 2021 census, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.9% 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, 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. Based on latest population numbers, the area is projected to increase by 846 persons to 2041, reflecting an 11.9% total increase over the 17-year period.

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

Merbein has annually received around 25 dwelling approvals for development. From financial years FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 127 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26 so far. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choices for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $404,000, which aligns with regional patterns. This financial year, $5.8 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. When considering the Rest of Vic., Merbein's construction activity per person appears comparable, supporting market stability in line with regional trends.

Recent constructions consist of 95% detached houses and 5% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 188 people per approval, Merbein reflects a low-density area. Future projections anticipate an increase of 620 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Merbein has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects expected to influence the region. Key initiatives include Lake Hawthorn Foreshore Development, Mildura Airport Terminal Expansion, Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project, and Sunraysia Modernisation Project 2. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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

The employment landscape in Merbein presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.1%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Merbein's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 3.1%.

In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s unemployment rate was 3.8%, but Merbein's was 0.7% lower. Workforce participation in Merbein was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had a significant presence, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance had limited presence at 14.2% compared to the regional rate of 16.8%. Local employment opportunities might be limited as indicated by Census data. In the 12 months prior, Merbein's labour force decreased by 4.2%, and employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Meanwhile, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 showed VIC's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merbein's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Merbein had a median income among taxpayers of $45,536 and an average of $50,154. These figures are below the national averages. Rest of Vic., on the other hand, had a median income of $48,741 and an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to March 2025 (an increase of 10.11%), estimated incomes for Merbein would be approximately $50,140 (median) and $55,225 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Merbein all fall between the 22nd and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.4% of Merbein's community earns within the $1,500 - 2,999 range (1,631 individuals), similar to regional levels where 30.3% fall into this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.2% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 29th percentile nationally.

Merbein is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The most recent Census data indicates that in Merbein, 93.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types of dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic., where 85.6% of dwellings were houses and 14.3% were other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Merbein was higher at 37.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (46.2%) or rented (16.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,140, significantly lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863 and the national figure of $375. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Merbein was recorded at $220, substantially below Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $265.

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

Family households constitute 73.3% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of 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 at 12.1%, significantly below Victoria's average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is 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. Merbein's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,080 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 976) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (20.8 places per 100 residents vs 17.1 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region, as of the most recent statistics available.

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

Transport analysis indicates 40 operational stops in Merbein offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by four distinct routes, cumulatively facilitating 166 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 357 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 23 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly four 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 indicates significant health challenges in Merbein. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 2,401 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.3% and 9.7% of residents respectively. 62.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 65.1%. Merbein has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.6%, or 1,071 people, compared to Rest of Vic's 19.2%. Senior health outcomes present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Merbein is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Merbein, as per the census data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens at 88.0%, with 93.2% having been born in Australia and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Merbein, accounting for 46.5% of its population, compared to 46.9% across the Rest of Victoria.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.2%), English (31.2%), and Scottish (7.8%). Notably, Italian (4.8%) was overrepresented in Merbein compared to the regional average of 5.7%, as were German (4.3% vs 4.0%) and Croatian (0.7% vs 0.5%).

Merbein hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Merbein's median age is 42 years, comparable to Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 are prominent at 13.9%, while those aged 75-84 are relatively smaller at 6.6% compared to the Rest of Vic. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.8% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 11.5%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Merbein. The 35-44 age group is expected to grow by 31%, adding 193 residents to reach 815. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 15-24 cohorts.