Merbein

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

Merbein's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 5,217 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 241 people, a growth rate of 4.8%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,976. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,972 in June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer. Merbein's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (1%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.9% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, regional areas are projected to have above median population growth. By 2041, Merbein is expected to increase by 846 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 11.5% 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 received approximately 25 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25127 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26 to date. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average expected construction cost of new homes is $404,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year has seen $5.8 million in commercial development approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Merbein exhibits similar construction activity per person, suggesting market stability in line with regional trends.

Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 188 people per approval, Merbein reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Merbein is projected to add 600 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Merbein has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of eight projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Lake Hawthorn Foreshore Development, Mildura Airport Terminal Expansion, Sunraysia Modernisation Project 2, and Mildura Base Public Hospital Intensive Care Unit Expansion. The following list details those projects most relevant:.

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 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 varied sector representation. As of June 2025, 2,415 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is 0.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic., at 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (14.2%), agriculture, forestry & fishing (26.9%), and retail trade (13.1%). Merbein has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence compared to the region.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data showing fewer working residents than expected based on population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Merbein's labour force decreased by 4.2%, while employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, 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 Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merbein's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, assuming population projections remain constant for illustrative purposes.

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 SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $45,536 and an average of $50,154. This is below the national average. Rest of Vic., meanwhile, had a median income of $48,741 and an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Merbein would be approximately $51,073 (median) and $56,253 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that incomes in Merbein fall between the 22nd and 23rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 31.4% of Merbein's community earns within the $1,500 - 2,999 band (1,638 individuals), similar to regional levels where 30.3% fall into this range. Housing costs are modest in Merbein, with 88.2% of income retained, but its total disposable income ranks at just the 28th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Merbein, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s structure of 85.6% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. In Merbein, the level of home ownership was higher at 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 46.2% and rented dwellings accounting for 16.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data from June 2021, was $1,140, significantly lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,378 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Merbein, also based on the latest data from June 2021, was recorded at $220, substantially below Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $275 and the national figure of $375.

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 account for the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. 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's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (31.5%). Educational participation is high, with 30.4% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.8% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

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

Merbein has 40 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together offer 166 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents generally living within 357 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Merbein faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 46% (~2,410 people) of Merbein's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and asthma (9.7%). However, 62.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.1% in the rest of Victoria. Merbein has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.6% (1,075 people), compared to 19.2% in the rest of Victoria. The health outcomes among seniors are broadly aligned with those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.0% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.2% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.5% of Merbein's population, compared to 46.9% across Rest of Vic.. 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's median age exceeds the national pattern

Merbein's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that 5-14 year-olds are prominent at 13.9%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 6.6% compared to Rest of Vic. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.8% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Merbein. The 35-44 cohort is projected to grow by 31%, adding 191 residents to reach 815. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 15-24 cohorts.