Area profile · Greater Melbourne
Pakenham - North West has an estimated 10,960 residents, up 46.5% since the 2021 Census, with 6 projects tracked in Pakenham - North West.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Pakenham - North West Statistical Area (Lv2) lies 50 kilometres east-southeast of the Melbourne CBD. As of Aug 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population at approximately 10,960, an increase of 3,481 people (46.5%) from the 7,479 recorded at the 2021 Census. This estimate draws on the ABS estimated resident population (ERP) of 10,502 as of June 2025, together with 1,348 validated new addresses added since the Census date. The 35 to 44yo group is notably present, alongside an elevated proportion of 0 to 4yo and pronounced representation of 5 to 14yo.
The area's standout feature is a high proportion of children, and its working-age population is made up largely of family households and couples with children. In terms of population growth, it ranks in the top 10% of areas nationally. The latest population estimate date is Aug 2026.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 630 in 2001 and 10,502 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 10,960 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 17.9%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 41.4%.
Pakenham - North West ranks in the 99th percentile nationally for population growth and the 97th for development activity.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Pakenham - North West is $572 a week, up 3.8% over 12 months to Sep 2025 and 3% below Greater Melbourne.
3% below Greater Melbourne on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $340 in 2016, $546 in 2025; Units (dashed orange line): $285 in 2016, $464 in 2025. The latest is to Sep 2025.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $572 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +3.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, houses | $546 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +4.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, units | $464 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +8.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Cardinia | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Cardinia, over 12 months | +3.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Melbourne - South East | $579 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Melbourne - South East, over 12 months | +3.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Greater Melbourne | $587 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Melbourne, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, VIC | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, VIC, over 12 months | +4.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 46 tracked applications: 27 approved, 3 under assessment, 16 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 6 projects in Pakenham - North West (5 under construction) and 106 more in the surrounding area.
Masterplanned residential community in Pakenham East for approximately 3,200 residents.
Masterplanned residential community offering over 660 lots across four precincts including Robert's Run, the newest precinct now available.
Golden Win Estate is a 36-lot residential subdivision on 3.53 hectares in central Officer.
Premium residential development with 301 homes featuring six-leaf EnviroDevelopment certification, the only project in Cardinia Shire to…
Hilltop Officer is a boutique master-planned residential estate situated in an elevated precinct adjacent to Timbertop.
Cardinia Shire Council is delivering Torongo Park (Officer District Park) on Lansell Avenue to service the burgeoning Officer urban…
Boutique greenfield subdivision in central Pakenham delivering 202 house and land lots alongside an 11,000 sqm local commercial precinct.
Permit approved 4.05 hectare residential subdivision site in Officer's high-growth corridor featuring endorsed plans for 55 residential…
Development Victoria is delivering Olio, a new residential community in Officer, Melbourne's south-east, built by Sienna Homes.
A boutique residential subdivision comprising 18 premium allotments situated on the north side of Officer adjacent to Timbertop Estate.
Stage 1 delivers the Main Street Gateway streetscape upgrade between Drake Place and the Henty Street roundabout.
The Pakenham Community Hospital is a dedicated public healthcare facility being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 63 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 2, 2026 19, 2027 20, 2028 9, 2029 2, 2030 5, 2031 0, 2032 1, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 4, 2036 1. 12 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 46 substantial development applications lodged in and around Pakenham - North West over the past 5 years, 8 in the last 12 months; 3 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2022 (part year) 10, 2023 8, 2024 7, 2025 13, 2026 (to Oct) 8.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 46 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 8 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 34.1 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 97th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 276 | ABS building approvals | 95th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 27 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 3 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Pakenham - North West SA2 include: Maple Grove Estate (Construction); Officer Fields (Construction); Arbor Officer (Construction); Hilltop Officer Estate (Construction); and Golden Win Estate (formerly Starling Road Residential Subdivision) (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Pakenham - North West SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Parks, Sport & Recreation, among others.
The long-run outlook for infrastructure is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking places residential development activity in Pakenham - North West higher than 97% of real estate markets across the country.
Dwelling approval activity in the Pakenham - North West SA2 area has seen 510 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Pakenham - North West SA2's current population of 10,960 has been supported by 276 approvals on average over recent years.
The Pakenham - North West SA2 has seen 34.1 approval per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 8.7 approvals in Greater Melbourne. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 40 people in the Pakenham - North West SA2, compared to one for every 121 in Greater Melbourne.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Pakenham - North West SA2's approval levels have been below the yearly average of 276, indicating a recent decline in approval activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the Pakenham - North West SA2 has grown by approximately 3,374 people, while 1,380 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 2.4 people added for each new dwelling approval. This indicates solid population growth supported by housing development activity.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Pakenham - North West lies within the top 1% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,960 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +46.5% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 444 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 41st percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +8.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +9.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 7,479 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 3,481 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +9.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +8.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 24.68 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Pakenham - North West SA2 was estimated to be approximately 10,960 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 10,502 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The pakenham - north west sa2 has added approximately 3,481 people and shown a 46.54% increase from the 7,479 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is estimated at 444 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Pakenham - North West SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 9.0% per annum.
Population growth in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is driven by: Interstate migration (71.7%), Natural increase (19.6%), Overseas migration (8.7%). The primary driver is Interstate migration, contributing 71.7% of overall population gains.
Pakenham - North West hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 8% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 32 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 8th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 9.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 25.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 29.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 53.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 32 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 8.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 16.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 11.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 17.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 17.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 10.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 7.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 5.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 3.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 0.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Pakenham - North West SA2 at 32 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 32 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 32 years as at August 2026, Pakenham - North West is 5 years younger than the Greater Melbourne 2021 Census average (37 years) and 6 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Pakenham - North West SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 16.6% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Pakenham - North West SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 55 - 64 group, making up 7.3% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Pakenham - North West SA2 show significant variance compared to Greater Melbourne. The most over-represented age groups are 0-4 year-olds (8.9% vs 5.6%) and 5-14 year-olds (16.6% vs 11.8%). The most under-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (0.7% vs 2.1%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 25.4% of the population in the Pakenham - North West SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 9.6% of the population in the Pakenham - North West SA2 as at August 2026.
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $59,515 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $66,648 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,887 | 2021 Census, weekly | 58th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $879 | 2021 Census, weekly | 63rd percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 20.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,054 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 15.1% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is approximately $63,443. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $59,515.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is approximately $71,047. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $66,648.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is approximately $63,443 compared to $63,783 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $59,515 and $59,834 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is approximately $71,047 compared to $83,612 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $66,648 and $78,435 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Pakenham - North West SA2's households (~41.4% / 1,032 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 41.4% of households. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.8% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is $1,887/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is $2,054/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is $879/wk.
The Pakenham - North West SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Pakenham - North West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $59,515 and the average income stands at $66,648, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $59,834 and $78,435 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.6% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $63,443 (median) and $71,047 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is $6,658 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The pakenham - north west sa2's disposable income is $6,658 compared to $6,948 for Greater Melbourne, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The employment environment in Pakenham - North West shows above-average strength when compared nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 72.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 5,713 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 10,072 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 5,985 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Pakenham - North West SA2 has approximately 5,713 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Pakenham - North West SA2 stands at 4.5%, which is broadly in line with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.9%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (16.0% of employment), construction (13.7%), and retail trade (10.7%). Other significant employers include manufacturing and education & training.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Pakenham - North West SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is 72.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Melbourne average of 70.1%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Melbourne.
The pakenham - north west sa2 shows notable specialisation in construction, which employs 13.7% of the local workforce compared to 9.7% across Greater Melbourne. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The pakenham - north west sa2's employment market shows above-average performance nationally, placing in the top half of areas assessed. Employment indicators suggest healthy labour market conditions relative to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.6% decline, ranking 28th out of 37 regions nationally.
The educational profile of Pakenham - North West ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 17.1% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 5.6% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 24.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 25.9% | 2021 Census | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 13.1% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 36.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 32.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 3.8% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 12.6% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 7.0% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
24.5% of people aged 15 and over in the Pakenham - North West SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne.
36.6% of people aged 15 and over in the Pakenham - North West SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.2% in Greater Melbourne.
The pakenham - north west sa2 ranks in the 74th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Pakenham - North West SA2 are: Certificate (25.9%), Bachelor Degree (17.1%), Advanced Diploma (13.1%).
32.1% of the population in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 12.6% in primary school, 7.0% in secondary school, 3.8% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is 1065, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 5 schools within the Pakenham - North West SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 3,555 students.
The pakenham - north west sa2 includes 1 primary school, 1 secondary school, 3 combined schools.
Pakenham - North West features high concentrations of family households and couples with children but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.9 people | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 16.0% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 42.3% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 24.9% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 13.4% | 2021 Census | 78th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 2,491 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 3,650 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 81.5% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.5 per family | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Pakenham - North West SA2 had 2,491 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 46.5% to an estimated 3,650 households today.
The average household size in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is 2.9 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Melbourne and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 81.5% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (16.0%), group households (2.4%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 2,030 family households, couples with children account for 42.3% of all households, couples without children at home 24.9%, and single parent families 13.4%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Melbourne, the Pakenham - North West SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Family households are notably over-represented at 81.5% (versus 70.9% in Greater Melbourne). Conversely, lone person households are under-represented at 16.0% compared to 24.8% in Greater Melbourne. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the Pakenham - North West SA2 have an average of 1.5 children, slightly above the Greater Melbourne average of 1.4. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 50.8% of the adult population are currently married, while 35.4% have never married. This compares to 47.0% married and 38.0% never married across Greater Melbourne.
Single-person households represent 16.0% of all households in the Pakenham - North West SA2, notably lower than the average for Greater Melbourne of 24.8%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.4% of households, below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.3%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Pakenham - North West was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 29.8% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 26.9% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 73.1% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 84.8% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 70.2% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.9% | 2021 Census | 34th percentile nationally |
Pakenham - North West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 29.8% of its population born overseas and 26.9% speaking a language other than English at home.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Pakenham - North West, at 40.4% of people, although more residents (42.0%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 4.7% of the population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Pakenham - North West are English, comprising 23.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Melbourne's 18.4%, and Other, comprising 16.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Sri Lankan is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Pakenham - North West (vs 0.8% across Greater Melbourne), Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.2%) and Indian at 4.8% (vs 4.2%).
29.8% of the Pakenham - North West SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 37.3% across Greater Melbourne.
26.9% of the population in the Pakenham - North West SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 35.9% in Greater Melbourne.
0.9% of the Pakenham - North West SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 0.5% in Greater Melbourne.
84.8% of the Pakenham - North West SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 81.1% in Greater Melbourne.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Pakenham - North West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 29.5% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 16.5% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 95.3% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,950 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 57th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 53.9% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 4.7% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $366 | 2021 Census, weekly | 48th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 19.4% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 37th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 23.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 47th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
In the Pakenham - North West SA2, 16.5% of homes are owned outright, 53.9% are owned with a mortgage, and 29.5% are rented.
According to the latest data, 95.3% of dwellings in the Pakenham - North West SA2 are houses.
In the Pakenham - North West SA2, 0.0% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 4.7% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Pakenham - North West SA2 stands at 16.5%, compared to 30.7% in Greater Melbourne.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is $1,950, compared to $2,000 in Greater Melbourne.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is $1,518, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Pakenham - North West SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 23.8% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 19.4% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Pakenham - North West SA2 is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Pakenham - North West SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 23.8% of income on repayments (vs 24.3% in Greater Melbourne), while renters spend 19.4% of income on rent (vs 20.5% in Greater Melbourne).
The dwelling mix in the Pakenham - North West SA2 consists of 95.3% detached houses, 4.7% semi-detached dwellings, 0.0% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Pakenham - North West consumes approximately 18.6% of median household income ($8,171 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Pakenham - North West show attached dwellings contributing 0% of approvals compared to 5% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 100% of applications versus 95% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Density increases remain below national trends.
Health in Pakenham - North West: private health cover 50.4%, no long-term health condition 73.9%.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 50.4% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 32nd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 73.9% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 4.0% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 78.0% | 2021 Census | 62nd percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.2% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
Around 50.4% of people in the Pakenham - North West SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.5% in Greater Melbourne.
In the Pakenham - North West SA2, 4.0% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.5% of people in Greater Melbourne require similar assistance.
8.7% of people in the Pakenham - North West SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.3% of the population across Greater Melbourne is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 3.7% of the Pakenham - North West SA2 population, while in Greater Melbourne, 4.1% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
2.5% of people in the Pakenham - North West SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Melbourne,3.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Pakenham - North West SA2, 50.4% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Melbourne sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.5%.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 38 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 38th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 9 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 9th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 880 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 32nd percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 1,190 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 3 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.6 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 20.4% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 9 public transport stops within the Pakenham - North West SA2.
The Pakenham - North West SA2 has 880 weekly trips across 3 routes, averaging 125 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 580 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 600 m away and the nearest school 783 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 9 stops nearby, 880 weekly trips, access rating 38 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 35 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 35th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 600 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 783 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 3.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 4.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 4.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 4.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 7 long day care centres with 864 places in Pakenham - North West, about 1.1 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking places residential development activity in Pakenham - North West higher than 97% of real estate markets across the country.
Pakenham - North West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 41% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Pakenham - North West is $572 a week, +3.8% over 12 months to Sep 2025.
Pakenham - North West lies within the top 1% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends.
Pakenham - North West hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 8% of areas nationwide.
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment.
The employment environment in Pakenham - North West shows above-average strength when compared nationally.
The educational profile of Pakenham - North West ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
Pakenham - North West features high concentrations of family households and couples with children but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Melbourne.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Pakenham - North West was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Pakenham - North West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Greater Melbourne.
Health in Pakenham - North West: private health cover 50.4%, no long-term health condition 73.9%.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Pakenham - North West has an estimated 10,960 residents, up 46.5% since the 2021 Census, with 6 projects tracked in Pakenham - North West.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Pakenham - North West.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2025, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Sep 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (212011550). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Sep 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Pakenham - North West from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Pakenham - North West with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
