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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
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Mernda - South has an estimated 13,854 residents, up from 11,940 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,914 people, or 16.0%. Growth has averaged 3.5% a year over five years, faster than 86% of areas nationally. 349 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 42.6% of that increase. That puts 1,605 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count in Mernda - South is approximately 13,854 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,914 people (16.0%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 11,940 residents. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 13,854 from June 2025 alongside 349 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1,605 persons per square kilometer, a figure that sits higher than the typical average across the country.
The 16.0% expansion recorded since the 2021 census outpaced the state growth of 9.3% as well as the national benchmark, establishing the locality as a primary driver of growth. The expansion was largely propelled by arrivals from overseas, which made up about 42.6% of the overall population rise, though natural increase and positive net migration from other states also played supportive roles. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for SA2 regions. For locations where these figures are unavailable, estimations rely on the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections, which have been adjusted by aggregating growth patterns from the LGA level down to the SA2 level. The age structure growth profiles derived from these models are also applied across all regions for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on these expected demographic transformations, the area is anticipated to see rapid gains that rank within the highest 10 percent nationwide, adding 9,359 residents by 2041 compared to the most recent annual ERP statistics, which represents a total growth of 67.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
569 new dwellings have been approved in Mernda - South over the past five years, an average of 113 a year. That places the area in the 96th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 8 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 93 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 87% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 93, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Building approvals for residential developments in Mernda - South average approximately 113 homes per year, accumulating to 569 dwellings over the previous 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 86 approvals have been registered so far. With an average of 3.9 new residents arriving per finished home annually over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, demand remains well ahead of supply, typically creating upward price momentum and escalating buyer competition, with new dwellings carrying an average build cost of $303,000, aligning with regional averages. Commercial construction approvals stand at $702,000 for the current financial year, which highlights the predominantly residential focus of the local economy.
When contrasted with Greater Melbourne, the rate of new residential approvals per resident in Mernda - South is about two-thirds, yet it places at the 86th percentile among all areas evaluated across the nation. The split of new builds shows 87.0% standalone houses and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving a classic suburban landscape suited for families desiring extra room. A ratio of roughly 115 people for each approved dwelling underlines the area's ongoing expansion phase. Long-term forecasts indicate that Mernda - South will gain 9,359 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If the current pace of construction persists, the creation of new housing may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensify buyer interest, and underpin rising property valuations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Mernda - South
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 12 current infrastructure and development projects inside Mernda - South, worth an estimated $1.17 billion. A further 97 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $22 billion. 30 are already under construction and 42 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, developments, and planning decisions are key drivers of area performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects expected to impact the local community. The most notable projects include Mernda Town Centre, Regional Sports Precinct Mernda, Mernda Villages by Stockland, and Mernda Rise Estate, with key details provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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
Mernda Town Centre
A 27-hectare master-planned mixed-use town centre next to Mernda Railway Station in Melbourne's northern growth corridor. Stage 1, the Woolworths-anchored neighbourhood shopping centre, opened in 2022 with around 9,580 square metres of gross lettable area, anchored by Woolworths, The Reject Shop, BWS and Marketplace Fresh, plus 27 specialty stores and 480 car parks. A 2-hectare parcel within the precinct was sold to the Victorian Government for the new Mernda Community Hospital, delivered by Lendlease for the Victorian Health Building Authority and Northern Health, with construction completed and progressive opening underway.Two surrounding development superlots, suitable for additional retail, commercial and medium-to-higher density residential outcomes, were brought to market via Stonebridge in 2023. Future stages are planned to include further commercial, medical, entertainment and residential development, with an overall project end value of approximately AUD 500 million.
Mernda Rise Estate
Mernda Rise is a boutique residential development by Resimax Group featuring approximately 200 premium home and land packages. Located on elevated terrain with panoramic views, the estate is designed in harmony with surrounding nature including protected indigenous trees and proximity to Quarry Hill Park. Tick Homes serves as the exclusive building partner, offering homes with premium inclusions such as Caesarstone benchtops, high ceilings, and stainless steel appliances. The development represents one of the last remaining residential opportunities in established Mernda.
Mernda Community Hospital
Mernda Community Hospital is a small public hospital providing a range of everyday health services to Melbourne's outer north. Officially opened in November 2025, the facility delivers urgent care, dialysis, mental health services, and specialist clinics. Operated by Northern Health, it aims to reduce pressure on major hospitals like Northern Hospital Epping while offering community-based care including pharmacy, dental, and pathology services.
Regional Sports Precinct Mernda
Multi-stage regional sports and aquatic precinct at Plenty Road, Mernda. Stage 2 construction commenced July 2025 following a $42.14 million contract award, delivering six indoor multipurpose courts (basketball, netball), eight outdoor netball courts, changerooms, foyer, creche, multipurpose rooms, 350 fixed and 1,000 retractable seats, and car parking. Funded by $11.5 million from the Federal Government (Thriving Suburbs and Play Our Way programs) and $20 million from the Victorian Government. Stage 3 will add a 50-metre pool, warm water exercise pool, learn-to-swim pool, leisure pool, gym, and group fitness area, with construction scheduled to begin 2027/28.Designed by COX Architecture with landscape architecture by Tract. Addresses a deficit of 43 indoor courts and 32 outdoor courts across the City of Whittlesea.
Mernda Central P-12 College
New government P-12 college opened in 2017 accommodating up to 1,280 students from prep to year 12 in the growing Mernda area. Features state-of-the-art learning facilities, science labs, performing arts theatre, music rooms, expanded gymnasium to Netball Victoria standards, sports facilities, technology centers, and community facilities. Started with Year 7 and expanded to include Prep-12.
Aspect Mernda
Aspect Mernda by AVJennings is a master-planned residential community featuring beautifully designed houses and titled land in Mernda. Located next to the picturesque Quarry Hills Regional Park and close to schools, shopping, and transport, Aspect combines natural living with urban convenience. The development offers both turnkey homes and land lots across multiple stages, with the final Stages 6 and 7 commencing in early 2025. The community includes premium Stellar Collection homes with 8-star energy efficiency ratings and comprehensive landscaping and infrastructure.
Mernda Villages Shopping Centre
4,000 square metre shopping centre featuring Woolworths supermarket and 10 specialty stores. Located at corner of Kalkallo Way and Mernda Village Drive with 180 car spaces and bicycle facilities. Part of Stockland's master-planned community.
River Run
River Run is a master-planned estate designed to be a flourishing community where families can grow and create lasting memories, celebrating the surrounding area's natural beauty and lifestyle attributes. The development comprises a mix of 54 townhouses and single-level traditional dwellings, as well as the restoration and renovation of an original 1800s homestead. Located alongside the flowing Plenty River with direct access to Plenty Gorge Parklands, offering unrivaled natural amenities and connectivity to Melbourne's thriving northern region.
7,839 residents of Mernda - South are employed, from a labour force of 8,176. Unemployment sits at 4.1%, with participation at 78.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 10,569, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by high levels of qualification and strong representation in key service sectors, alongside a jobless rate of 4.1% and a yearly job growth estimate of 2.0%. As of March 2026, there are 7,839 employed residents, and the unemployment rate is 0.6% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. Furthermore, the proportion of residents participating in the labor force is high at 78.4%, compared to the regional benchmark of 70.2%. Census records indicate that a moderate 22.9% of the working population performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. There is a particularly high concentration in health care & social assistance, which employs workers at 1.3 times the regional average rate. In contrast, professional & technical roles are less common locally, accounting for 5.7% of workers compared to 10.1% across the wider region. Comparing the numbers of local workers to resident workers suggests that this heavily residential suburb has a limited pool of local jobs. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, employment levels rose by 2.0% during the year to March 2026, while the labour force expanded by 2.9%, which led to an increase of 0.9 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This trend differs from Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.1%, the labour force increased by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional context for anticipated future demand in Mernda - South. These projections span five and ten-year intervals and have been overlaid with the local employment profile to estimate growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, sectoral growth rates vary considerably. When these industry-specific forecasts are applied to Mernda - South's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Mernda - South is $2,109 a week (about $110,000 a year), with median personal income at $902 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $59,796 a year against an average of $68,595. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer income data from the ATO for financial year 2023, compiled by AreaSearch, shows that earnings in the Mernda - South SA2 are slightly above the national average. The median income for local taxpayers is $59,796, while the average is $68,595, compared to Greater Melbourne figures of $57,688 and $75,164, respectively. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current figures are estimated to be approximately $65,548 (median) and $75,194 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and individual incomes in the area sit around the 70th percentile nationally.
The largest income bracket includes 44.8% of the local population (6,206 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which aligns with the broader regional trend where 32.8% of people fall into this category. Housing costs account for 17.8% of local earnings, but solid overall income levels keep disposable incomes at the 69th percentile, with the area's SEIFA ranking for income in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Mernda - South had 3,677 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 0% apartments. 60% are owned with a mortgage, 28% rented and 13% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $390 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month, a total housing cost higher than 88% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 18.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Data from the latest Census shows that the housing stock in Mernda - South is heavily weighted toward standalone houses, which make up 95.3% of dwellings, compared to 4.7% for other options like townhouses and apartments. This contrasts with the wider Melbourne metropolitan area, where houses represent 67.9% and other configurations make up 32.1%. Home ownership rates in the area are lower than the metropolitan average at 12.8%, with 59.7% of homes held under a mortgage and 27.6% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,950, which is below the metropolitan median of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was equal to the metropolitan median at $390.
Compared to national benchmarks, local mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Mernda - South counted 3,677 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,266 today, averaging 3.2 people each. 53% are couples with children, more than in 96% of areas nationally, against 19% couples without children. 12% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 86.2%, consisting of couples with children (52.7%), couples without children (18.9%), and single-parent households (13.5%). Non-family households account for 13.8% of the total, with lone person households representing 11.8% and group households making up 1.8%. The average household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
31.1% of adults in Mernda - South hold a university qualification, including 19.7% with a bachelor degree and 8.9% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 80% of areas nationally. A further 21.4% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 2,383 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,058 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels in Mernda - South are lower than regional averages, with 31.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This indicates opportunities for further educational and skill development. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 35.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (21.4%). A high proportion of the population is engaged in studies, with 34.6% of residents enrolled in formal education.
This group includes 13.9% in primary schools, 7.8% in secondary schools, and 4.5% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Mernda - South reaches 47 stops on 9 routes, timetabled for about 8,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 240 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in Mernda - South include 47 active bus stops, serviced by 9 routes that provide a total of 8,016 weekly trips. Transport access is good, with residents living an average of 237 meters from the nearest stop. Because of the suburb's residential nature, most workers travel out of the area for work, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 88% of commuters, and trains used by 8%. Vehicle ownership rates are high, averaging 1.6 cars per household. A total of 22.9% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic conditions.
Across all routes, there are an average of 1,145 trips per day, which translates to roughly 170 weekly trips for each stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
78.6% of residents in Mernda - South report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 90% of areas nationally. 3.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators for Mernda - South show strong outcomes based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with low rates of common illnesses among both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area, representing approximately 53% of the population (~7,384 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most common issues, affecting 7.2% and 6.9% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 78.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.
The working-age population exhibits high levels of health with low rates of chronic disease. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 6.9% of the population (953 people), which is lower than the metropolitan proportion of 15.0%. Health indicators for this older group are above the national average, though they rank lower relative to the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
37.1% of Mernda - South residents were born overseas and 42.9% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 82% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (17.7%) and English (15.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The area has a high level of cultural diversity, with 37.1% of the population born outside of Australia and 42.9% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 46.2% of the population. The most notable difference from regional averages is in the Other category, which represents 5.6% of the population locally compared to 2.3% in Greater Melbourne. Regarding parent birthplaces, the most common ancestries are Other at 18.1%, Australian at 17.7%, and English at 15.3%. There are notable differences in specific ethnic groups compared to the wider region, with Macedonian ancestry representing 3.1% of the population (compared to 0.7% regionally), Indian ancestry at 10.5% (compared to 4.2%), and Sri Lankan ancestry at 1.2% (compared to 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Mernda - South is 33, younger than 92% of areas nationally. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 26.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 33 in Mernda - South is younger than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, there is a higher concentration of children aged 5 to 14 (17.2%) and a lower concentration of older adults aged 65 to 74 (4.4%). The proportion of children aged 5 to 14 is higher than the national average of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has increased from 32 to 33. The proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 rose from 11.7% to 13.7%, and those aged 55 to 64 increased from 6.4% to 7.8%.
In contrast, the 25 to 34 age group fell from 17.1% to 14.3%, and the 0 to 4 group declined from 9.9% to 7.6%. Demographic projections suggest the local age profile will change by 2041, with the 45 to 54 group expected to see high growth, increasing by 2,168 people (115%) from 1,891 to 4,060.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Mernda - South
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 12 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 349 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (11,940 at the 2021 Census → 13,854 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (209041532). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.