Mernda - North

Mernda - North lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Mernda - North's population is approximately 12,275 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 848 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,427. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,038 in June 2024 and an additional 119 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 807 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Mernda - North has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%, outperforming the SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with Mernda - North expected to grow by 7,880 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 62.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Mernda - North when compared nationally

Mernda - North has seen approximately 35 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, with a total of 176 approvals between FY21 and FY25, and an additional 9 in FY26. On average, around 5.3 new residents per year have been arriving due to these dwellings. This has led to a significant demand outpacing supply situation, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers.

The average construction value of these new dwellings is $143,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, there have been $147,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Mernda - North records 78.0% lower building activity per person. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, the area's activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. The current building activity consists of 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to accommodate downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 84.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Mernda - North is 1668 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, the area is forecasted to gain 7,643 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Mernda - North has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Mernda Town Centre, Regional Sports Precinct Mernda, Mernda Rise Estate, and River Run. The following details those expected to have the greatest 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Mernda - North maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Mernda - North has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 1.1%.

As of September 2025, 6,553 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne at 73.0%. A moderate 23.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area has a high specialization in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level) but lower representation in professional & technical services (5.5% vs 10.1%). Local employment opportunities appear limited based on resident population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for Mernda - North, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch, released for financial year 2023, indicates that Mernda - North SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,680 and an average of $65,021. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest approximately $61,356 (median) and $70,385 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Mernda - North cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The distribution data reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 39.0% of the community (4,787 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 56th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Mernda - North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.8% houses and 16.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mernda - North was at 16.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.6% and rented ones at 28.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $378, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Mernda - North's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Mernda - North features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.2% of all households, including 44.4% couples with children, 21.0% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.8%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Mernda - North shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mernda's educational qualifications, as of a certain date, showed that 31.1% of residents aged 15 and above held university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational credentials were also prevalent, with 33.3% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 20.6%. Educational participation was high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.1% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mernda - North has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 3140 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically located 267 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential region, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 88%, while train usage stands at 8%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 448 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 89 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mernda - North is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Mernda North demonstrates above-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence as of 2021. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 51% of the total population (~6,284 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.4 and 7.0% of residents respectively. About 74.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 12.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,549 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those for the broader population.

Mernda - North was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mernda-North has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.6% of its population born overseas and 38.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Mernda-North is Christianity, accounting for 47.8% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 9.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.7%), English (18.1%), and Other (17.6%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Macedonian at 2.5% (regional average is 0.7%), Indian at 7.6% (4.2%), and Sri Lankan at 0.9% (0.8%).

Mernda - North hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Mernda - North's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 35-44 age group is strongly represented at 20.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.0%. This concentration in the 35-44 age group is well above the national average of 14.3%. Between 2021 and present, residents have aged on average by 1.1 years, with the median rising from 34 to 35. Key changes include the growth of the 45 to 54 age group from 10.8% to 13.0%, and the increase of the 75 to 84 cohort from 3.1% to 5.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 12.0%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 9.2% to 7.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 45 to 54 age group projected to grow by 94%, adding 1,488 residents to reach 3,079.