South Morang - North
Statistical Area - sa2

South Morang - North lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

South Morang - North's population is 13,306 as of Aug 2025. This is an increase of 711 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,595. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 13,070 in June 2024 and 305 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 970 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.3% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, based on 2022 data for each SA2 area. For areas not covered, they use Vic State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. Future projections show exceptional growth in the top 10% of national statistical areas, with an expected increase of 7,229 persons by 2041 based on latest numbers, representing a 52.6% total increase over 17 years.

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

South Morang - North recorded around 91 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis: 457 homes over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, and 8 so far in FY26. On average, just 0.1 new residents arrive per year per new home over these five years, suggesting supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. New homes are built at an average expected construction cost of $444,000, consistent with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $6.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang - North has significantly less development activity, approximately 50.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. New development consists of 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. This shift from the current 91.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

South Morang - North has around 200 people per approval, reflecting a low-density area. Looking ahead, projections expect the area to grow by 6,993 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

South Morang - North has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 such projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Aboriginal Gathering Place, Granite Hills Major Community Park, Umarkoo Primary School, and The Gorge Townhomes. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in South Morang - North demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

South Morang - North has an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year. There are 7,816 residents in work, with a participation rate of 73.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's rates of 4.6% and 64.1%.

The dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly notable at 1.3 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 6.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data analysis.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 1.4%, decreasing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Morang - North's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5%% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

South Morang - North had a median taxpayer income of $54,958 and an average income of $64,078 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. These figures align with national averages, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $60,514 (median) and $70,556 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank at the 80th percentile ($2,242 weekly). The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 41.3% of South Morang - North's community, with 5,495 individuals in this category. This is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 80th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

South Morang - North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Morang - North was at 21.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 59.2% and rented dwellings at 19.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,900. Median weekly rent was recorded at $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, South Morang - North's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 86.8% of all households, including 55.5% couples with children, 18.5% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.2%, consisting of 11.6% lone person households and 1.5% group households. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

South Morang - North performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

South Morang - North has 27.3% of residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 21.0%. Educational participation is high, with 34.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.2% in primary, 10.2% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary.

The region has four schools with a combined enrolment of 680 students, offering integrated K-12 education. School capacity is limited (5.1 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 13.1), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transportation in South Morang - North shows that there are currently 53 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. The area is served by 5 individual routes which together facilitate 4,779 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 191 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 682 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 90 weekly trips per individual stop.

South Morang - North's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health outcomes data shows notable results for South Morang - North with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 51% of the total population (~6,812 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 6.7% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 6.1%). Notably, 77.6% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 9.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,264 people), lower than the 13.2% in Greater Melbourne.

South Morang - North is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Morang-North shows high cultural diversity with 31.8% overseas-born residents and 39.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 60.8%. The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented at 2.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.4%.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (16.6%), Italian (14.5%), and Other (14.0%). Notable ethnic group divergences include Macedonian (6.5% vs regional 4.6%), Maltese (2.4% vs 1.5%) and Greek (4.6% vs 4.1%).

South Morang - North's population is younger than the national pattern

South Morang-North's median age in 2021 was 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang-North had a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.3%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, median age increased from 35 to 36 years. Key demographic shifts included growth in the 55-64 age group from 9.4% to 10.7%, and the 15-24 age group from 14.5% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group declined from 17.9% to 15.4%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 17.0% to 14.6%. Population projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in South Morang-North, with the 55-64 age cohort expected to grow exceptionally by 1,481 people (104%), from 1,427 to 2,909 residents.