South Morang - North

Population growth drivers in South Morang - North are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

South Morang - North's population was approximately 13,306 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 711 people, a 5.6% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 12,595. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,070 in June 2024 and an additional 305 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 970 persons per square kilometer, roughly in line with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate exceptional growth, placing the area in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. The area is expected to grow by 7,229 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 52.6% over the 17-year period.

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

South Morang - North has granted around 91 residential properties approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, it approved a total of 457 homes and an additional 22 in FY-26 so far. On average, approximately 0.1 person per year moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or surpassing demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties was $295,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, South Morang - North has recorded $6.0 million in commercial development approvals, indicating the area's residential character despite having 50.0% lower building activity compared to Greater Melbourne per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The new building activity shows a mix of 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 91.0% houses. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 200 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South Morang - North is forecasted to gain 6,993 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

South Morang - North has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Umarkoo Primary School, The Gorge Townhomes, South Morang Civic Centre Precinct, and Quarry Hills Precinct Structure Plan. Details on projects of highest relevance are provided below.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions South Morang - North ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

South Morang - North has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

As of September 2025, 7,856 residents are employed, and workforce participation stands at 73.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in construction employment with a share of 1.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 6.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force grew by 0.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Morang - North's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, South Morang - North SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,958. The average income stood at $64,078. This was just below the national average and compared to levels of $54,892 and $73,761 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,641 (median) and $71,870 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank at the 80th percentile ($2,242 weekly). Distribution data shows that 41.3% of locals (5,495 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 80th percentile and 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

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

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 13.2%, with lone person households at 11.6% and group households comprising 1.5%. 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's residents aged 15+ have a university degree rate of 27.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the 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, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 21.0%. Educational participation is high at 34.5%, including 12.2% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 53 active stops operating in South Morang - North, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by five individual routes, collectively providing 4779 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 191 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 682 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 90 weekly trips per stop.

South Morang - North's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in South Morang - North, with younger age groups having particularly low prevalence rates of common health conditions.

Approximately 51% (~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 (6.1%). A total of 77.6% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 9.5% (1,264 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 13.2%.

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

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

Top three ancestry groups are Australian (16.6%), Italian (14.5%), and Other (14.0%). Notably, Macedonian (6.5%) and Maltese (2.4%) are overrepresented, while Greek is slightly higher at 4.6% compared to regional averages.

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

South Morang-North's median age is 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 has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, demographic aging is evident with the median age increasing from 35 to 36 years. Key changes include the growth of the 55-64 age group from 9.4% to 10.7%, an increase in the 15-24 cohort from 14.5% to 15.8%, a decline in the 35-44 cohort from 17.9% to 15.4%, and a decrease in the 5-14 age group from 17.0% to 14.6%. Population forecasts for South Morang-North indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the 55-64 age cohort projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 1,481 people (104%) from 1,427 to 2,909.