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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.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Rockbank - Mount Cottrell has an estimated 39,399 residents, up from 17,553 at the 2021 Census — a change of 21,846 people, or 124.5%. Growth has averaged 21.9% a year over five years, faster than 99% of areas nationally. 7,382 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 78.1% of that increase. That puts 313 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 by AreaSearch, the population of Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is approximately 39,399 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 21,846 residents (124.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 17,553 individuals. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 37,540 in June 2025 alongside 7,382 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population size translates to a density of 313 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and room for potential expansion. The growth rate of 124.5% since the 2021 census outstripped the state average of 9.3% and the national benchmark, positioning the area as a regional growth leader.
The primary driver of this demographic expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 78.1% of the overall population increase, though net gains were also supported by natural increase and overseas migration. AreaSearch incorporates population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For localities lacking this specific data, projections are derived from the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA releases, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. The age group growth rates obtained from these models are applied to all locations for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic forecasts, the district is projected to experience rapid expansion, placing it in the top 10 percent of areas nationwide, with an anticipated increase of 55,344 people by 2041 compared to the latest annual ERP figures, representing a total gain of 131.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
9,584 new dwellings have been approved in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell over the past five years, an average of 1,916 a year. That places the area in the 97th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 49 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 1,412 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 90% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 1,664, 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
Approximately 1,916 new residential dwellings have been approved annually in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell, amounting to 9,584 approvals over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 1,526 approvals have been documented so far. During the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, an average of 2.4 residents moved to the area for every new dwelling built, pointing to solid demand that helps sustain property values. The average construction cost for these new dwellings is $248,000, which sits below the regional average and highlights more affordable options for home buyers.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $587.2 million this financial year, showing strong commercial investment momentum. Per capita residential approvals in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell are 290.0% higher than the Greater Melbourne average, offering home buyers a wide selection of properties, even though building pace has slowed recently. This level of building activity is significantly above the national average, showing high developer confidence. Standalone houses represent 90.0% of the new residential activity, while townhouses or apartments make up the remaining 10.0%, maintaining the low density character of the neighborhood through a focus on detached homes for buyers seeking space. Representing roughly 20 people per dwelling approval, the locality displays the hallmarks of a developing growth corridor. Demographic projections indicate that Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is on track to add 51,801 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. At the current pace of construction, the supply of new dwellings is expected to align well with demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially accommodating growth beyond the projected numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Rockbank - Mount Cottrell
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 49 current infrastructure and development projects inside Rockbank - Mount Cottrell, worth an estimated $33.5 billion. A further 128 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $58.6 billion. 81 are already under construction and 57 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and transport & logistics. 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
Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning initiatives are key drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified a total of 156 projects expected to influence the local area. Significant initiatives include the Melton Line Upgrade, Thornhill Park, the Woodlea Active Open Space Precinct, and the Kororoit Part 2 Precinct Structure Plan, with the primary projects listed below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Melton Line Upgrade
The 650 million dollar Melton Line Upgrade is preparing the corridor to run longer 9-car VLocity trains from 2027, one year ahead of schedule, boosting peak passenger capacity by 50 per cent. The project includes platform extensions at Caroline Springs and Deer Park (already complete), with extensions at Rockbank and Cobblebank scheduled for 2026. A new train stabling yard is being built at Cobblebank (Abey Road), 700 metres east of the new Melton Station, designed to operate 24/7 and future-proofed to stable Metro trains when the line is later electrified.The yard will feature dedicated worker facilities and parking, CCTV, a solar system and native landscaping. Construction commenced in January 2026, with the stabling yard early works underway and main construction starting mid-2026. The project is jointly funded with 325 million dollars each from the Australian and Victorian governments and works alongside the new four-platform elevated Melton Station opening in late 2026 and the four Melton Level Crossing Removals.
Thornhill Park
Thornhill Park is an expansive masterplanned community in Melbournes west, spanning 125 hectares. The project features approximately 3,000 homes, a dedicated primary school (opened 2023), and significant environmental infrastructure including a large-scale constructed wetland for stormwater treatment. Future planning includes the Thornhill Park Station and integrated retail precincts to support a population exceeding 7,000 residents.
Woodlea Estate
Woodlea is a 711-hectare greenfield masterplanned community in Aintree and Bonnie Brook, around 29km west of Melbourne's CBD within the City of Melton. Delivered in partnership by Mirvac and Victoria Investments & Properties (VIP), it is planned to comprise approximately 7,000 dwellings housing close to 20,000 residents at full build-out, with more than 16,000 residents already living on site. About 30 percent of the footprint is dedicated to open space across more than 16 parks, including an adventure precinct, dog park, skatepark and a 10-hectare active open space precinct with two soccer fields and a sports pavilion.The community is anchored by the Coles-anchored Woodlea Town Centre (opened 2021) and supports several schools, including Aintree Primary, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Yarrabing Secondary College and Dharra Specialist School, with a new state primary school and kindergarten north of Taylors Road due to open in 2027. A third and final display village of 38 homes across 17 builders launched in February 2025. The Aintree Major Town Centre Urban Design Framework (formerly Rockbank North MTC) was adopted by Melton City Council on 22 September 2025, providing for around 1,420 dwellings, 36,000 square metres of retail floor space and over 6,400 jobs in its ultimate form. Construction is staged through to the early 2030s.
Woodlea Master-Planned Community
Woodlea is a 711-hectare greenfield masterplanned community located 29km west of Melbourne's CBD across Aintree and Bonnie Brook in the City of Melton. Developed by Mirvac in joint venture with Victoria Investments and Properties (VIP), the project is set to deliver around 7,000 lots and house approximately 20,000 to 25,000 residents at completion. As of late 2025 the community was home to over 16,000 residents, with momentum continuing into 2026. Recent and upcoming milestones include the new Sales and Experience Centre and 38-home Display Village at 11 Recreation Road launched in 2025, the Aintree Active Open Space precinct featuring skate park, sporting pavilion, soccer fields, dog park and all-abilities playground, and the Aintree Town Centre anchored by Coles.Established schools include Aintree Primary School, Bacchus Marsh Grammar (with secondary expansion to Year 12 by 2026), Yarrabing Secondary College (expanding to Year 9 in term 1 2026) and Dharra Specialist School. A new Aintree North Primary School is funded for opening in term 1 2027 with construction starting late 2025, alongside an additional kindergarten. Other works progressing include a new VICSES emergency services hub, a relocated Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria centre opening in early 2026, a future second council community centre, additional childcare and a planned major town centre incorporating medical facilities. Around 30 percent of the site is dedicated to open space across more than 20 parks.
Aintree Children's and Community Centre
Integrated children's and community facility under construction in Aintree, delivered as a partnership between the Victorian School Building Authority and Melton City Council under the Building Blocks Partnership program. The centre will offer kindergarten places for up to 132 children at a time, maternal and child health consulting rooms, and multipurpose community meeting spaces. The project supports the expansion of Victoria's free kindergarten reforms and forms part of a wider $37.7 million Building Blocks investment across 10 projects in the City of Melton.
Rockbank Town Centre Development
A 14.21 hectare major mixed-use development adjacent to Rockbank Train Station, serving as the primary retail hub for the western growth corridor. The site was recently acquired by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot, for 22.5 million AUD. Groundbreaking is scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, featuring a full-line Woolworths supermarket, approximately 30 specialty stores, cafes, and services. The project is a key component of the Rockbank Major Town Centre Urban Design Framework, designed to create a walkable, self-sustaining community hub.
Aintree Major Town Centre (formerly Rockbank North)
A 24.6-hectare mixed-use major town centre in Aintree in Melbourne's western growth corridor. The Urban Design Framework was adopted by Melton City Council on 22 September 2025, providing the planning blueprint for retail, commercial, civic, community and high density residential development across the precinct. Following an unsuccessful 2024 expressions of interest campaign to sell the entire site, the landholding has now been split. In late 2025, Woolworths Group's development arm Fabcot acquired the southern 12.3 hectares for around 22 million dollars to deliver the future shopping centre and retail core.CountryLand Australia, led by Intaj Khan, has retained the northern 12.3 hectares and is progressing a separate 400 million dollar mixed-use scheme that is expected to include residential apartments, a hotel, an indoor sports centre and student accommodation. The combined precinct is planned to deliver around 1,420 dwellings, approximately 36,000 square metres of retail floorspace, and significant office, medical and civic uses, with capacity to support more than 6,400 jobs at full build out. The site has 972 metres of frontage to Leakes Road and Beattys Road, sits about two kilometres from Rockbank Train Station, and adjoins Mirvac's Woodlea masterplanned community.
Plains Circuit Retail Site
A 5,385 sqm retail development site adjoining the established HomeCo Woodlea Town Centre within the Woodlea masterplanned community. The prominent corner site has approximately 209 metres of street frontage and is being marketed for retail or other compatible commercial uses. The land was offered for sale via Expressions of Interest in 2025 and had subsequently been recorded as sold, with future development yet to commence.
14,925 residents of Rockbank - Mount Cottrell are employed, from a labour force of 15,806. Unemployment sits at 5.6%, with participation at 57.6%. 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 45,171, about 115% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Mount Cottrell within the Rockbank area boasts a highly educated population with varied industry representation, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and an estimated employment growth of 0.6% during the previous year. According to data from March 2026, the local workforce consists of 14,925 individuals actively working. The local unemployment rate stands at 0.8% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. Furthermore, workforce participation in Mount Cottrell is substantially lower at 57.6% compared to the 70.2% participation rate observed in Greater Melbourne. Census data indicates that a moderate 23.5% of residents engage in remote work, although the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns must be factored into this statistic.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction. The representation of workers in transport, postal & warehousing is particularly high, reaching 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 6.7% of the local workforce compared to 10.1% across Greater Melbourne. The presence of 0.7 jobs for every resident at the time of the Census indicates a higher than average availability of local employment. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, employment in the region grew by 0.6% over the 12 months leading to March 2026, while the total labor force expanded by 1.9%, resulting in a 1.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labor force grow by 2.3%, with unemployment increasing by 0.2 percentage points. National forecasts published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide context for future labor demand. These five and ten-year national projections have been applied to the local industry mix to estimate future employment trends. Globally, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these figures to the local workforce composition suggests employment in the area could rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local population growth trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is $2,123 a week (about $110,000 a year), with median personal income at $946 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,864 a year against an average of $63,076. 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
Postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates a median taxpayer income of $55,864 and an average of $63,076 in the Rockbank - Mount Cottrell area. These figures sit below national benchmarks, contrasting with the median income of $57,688 and average of $75,164 recorded in Greater Melbourne. Adjusted for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated income values as of March 2026 are approximately $61,238 for the median and $69,144 for the average. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in the area reside at the 73rd percentile nationally.
The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket contains 46.4% of the population (18,281 people), compared to 32.8% of the population at the broader regional level. Residential costs account for 19.1% of income, yet strong household earnings keep disposable income at the 68th percentile, with the area ranking in the 5th decile of the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell had 4,586 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 0% apartments. 66% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 9% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,017 a month, a total housing cost higher than 93% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 18.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell consists of 96.3% separate houses and 3.8% other dwelling types like townhouses or apartments, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Melbourne. The level of outright home ownership is 9.2%, which is lower than the metropolitan Melbourne rate, with the remaining homes being mortgaged (66.3%) or rented (24.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,017, higher than the Melbourne metropolitan median of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to $390 in metropolitan Melbourne.
Globally, local monthly mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell counted 4,586 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 10,294 today, averaging 3.2 people each. 54% are couples with children, more than in 96% of areas nationally, against 21% couples without children. 14% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 84.3% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 53.5%, couples without children at 20.8%, and single parents at 8.9%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 15.7%, with single-person households representing 13.6% and group households making up 2.1%. The average household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
34.7% of adults in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell hold a university qualification, including 22.4% with a bachelor degree and 9.9% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 15.3% hold a vocational qualification. 8 schools serve the area, with 2,473 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,031 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
The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is higher than the wider regional average, with 34.7% of individuals aged 15 and over holding university degrees compared to 24.3% in the SA3 region. This educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 22.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational education is also common, with 27.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 15.3%.
Student numbers are high, with 42.1% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This student population includes 16.6% in primary school, 7.4% in high school, and 5.8% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell reaches 45 stops on 13 routes, timetabled for about 4,200 services a week. The typical home sits about 1,030 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
Analysis of the local transit network shows 45 active public transport stops in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops connect to 13 distinct routes, which accommodate 4,180 weekly passenger journeys. Public transport access is limited, with the average distance to the nearest stop standing at 1034 meters. Given the residential nature of the community, most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 88% and train travel at 8%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.6 cars per household, higher than the regional average.
In the 2021 Census, 23.5% of residents reported working from home, which may reflect pandemic conditions. Daily transit services average 597 trips across all active routes, which represents approximately 92 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
84.6% of residents in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 97% of areas nationally. 2.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments indicate positive health outcomes in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell, based on AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and chronic disease data, which show low rates of common health issues across all demographics. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 50% of residents (~19,857 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most common diagnoses, affecting 6.0% and 4.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 84.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
Residents aged 65 and older represent 4.0% of the population (1,583 people), a lower proportion than the 15.0% average in Greater Melbourne. Senior health metrics are strong, although they rank lower nationally than the metrics of the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
48.1% of Rockbank - Mount Cottrell residents were born overseas and 62.6% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 92% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Indian (15.9%) and Australian (10.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell displays a high degree of cultural diversity, with 48.1% of residents born outside Australia and 62.6% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 39.5% of the population. The most notable religious difference is in the Other category, which accounts for 17.4% of the population, significantly higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.3%. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three largest groups in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell are Other at 31.5% of the population (well above the regional average of 14.6%), Indian at 15.9% (well above the regional average of 4.2%), and Australian at 10.6% (notably below the regional average of 18.4%).
Other demographic variations include Filipino ancestry at 6.4% of the population (compared to 1.3% regionally), Maltese at 4.2% (compared to 1.1% regionally), and Samoan at 1.2% (compared to 0.3% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is 31, younger than 95% of areas nationally. 29.9% 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 in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is 31 years, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the area has a higher share of people aged 35 - 44 (25.2%) but fewer residents aged 55 - 64 (4.6%). The proportion of residents aged 35 - 44 is also higher than the national average of 14.3%. Since 2021, the 5 to 14 age bracket has increased from 13.8% to 17.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 group rose from 21.9% to 25.2%.
In contrast, the 25 to 34 age bracket fell from 26.4% to 20.1% and the 0 to 4 group declined from 10.8% to 9.7%. Demographic models suggest that by 2041, the age structure will change further, with the 35 to 44 age group projected to grow by 11,532 people (116%), rising from 9,920 to 21,453.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Rockbank - Mount Cottrell
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 | Aug 2026 this month all 60 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 Aug 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 — 7,382 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (17,553 at the 2021 Census → 39,399 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 (213041359). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.