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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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South Morang - South has an estimated 13,054 residents, up from 12,392 at the 2021 Census — a change of 662 people, or 5.3%. 501 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 83.0% of that increase. That puts 1,687 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 evaluation by AreaSearch, South Morang - South records a resident count of approximately 13,054 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 662 people (5.3%) following the 2021 Census, when 12,392 people were counted. This adjustment is derived from the ABS estimated resident population figure of 13,054 recorded as of June 2025 alongside 501 validated new addresses identified following the Census date. With this headcount, population density reaches 1,686 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level observed across AreaSearch's national assessment footprint. Inflow from overseas served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 83.0% of recent population additions, though natural increase and interstate movements likewise registered positive contributions.
Projections compiled by ABS/Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as their baseline, are integrated by AreaSearch across individual SA2 boundaries. Where specific SA2 locations lack coverage in that dataset, AreaSearch incorporates VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections issued in 2023, utilizing weighted aggregation techniques to step figures down from LGA to SA2 tiers. Age-bracket expansion trajectories established through these models are also applied universally for the 2032 to 2041 timeframe. Looking ahead, the statistical area is positioned within the highest quartile nationally for prospective demographic gains, with projections anticipating an additional 4,927 persons by 2041 based on current annual ERP metrics, translating to an overall rise of 37.7% throughout the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
635 new dwellings have been approved in South Morang - South over the past five years, an average of 127 a year. That places the area in the 65th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 10 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 127 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 28% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in South Morang - South have run at an annual clip of roughly 127 dwellings, accumulating to 635 homes across the previous 5 financial years. With an inflow rate averaging just 0.3 new residents per year per authorized dwelling across the last 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), additions to the housing stock are keeping pace with or exceeding local demand, expanding buyer choice and supporting demographic expansion beyond baseline forecasts, with newly built residences carrying an average construction value of $302,000—below regional benchmarks—fostering more attainable home choices.
Concurrently, commercial building approvals reached $19.5 million during this financial year, underscoring ongoing non-residential development. On a per-capita basis, residential construction volume in South Morang - South tracks at roughly three-quarters of the Greater Melbourne level, positioning the locality in the 77th percentile across nationwide comparisons. Recent construction permissions consist of 28.0% standalone homes alongside 72.0% attached dwellings. This emphasis on medium-to-high-density stock creates accessible price points appealing to downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. It highlights a clear departure from the existing built environment (which currently stands at 79.0% houses), signaling shrinking greenfield land reserves and answering community needs for varied, cost-effective residential formats. Demonstrating a well-established market structure, the area registers approximately 1667 people per dwelling approval. Demographic projections indicate that South Morang - South will absorb 4,927 residents by 2041 (benchmarked against the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Prevailing construction activity appears well-aligned with prospective demand, fostering balanced real estate conditions free of sharp upward price shocks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around South Morang - South
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 11 current infrastructure and development projects inside South Morang - South, worth an estimated $4.27 billion. A further 76 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $22.3 billion. 18 are already under construction and 26 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and education & training. 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
Infrastructure upgrades, major developments, and urban planning programs play a decisive role in shaping community outcomes. Within the district, AreaSearch has highlighted a total of 24 projects expected to influence the local area. Notable undertakings include the Findon Road Arterial Road Completion - Plenty Road to Epping Road, the 175 Gordons Road Development, the 18 Bush Boulevard Apartments, and the 300 Gordons Road Development, with key details provided in the following overview.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
175 Gordons Road Development
Residential development featuring modern townhomes and apartments. Strategic location with easy access to public transport and shopping precincts.
The Gorge Townhomes
A proposed residential development comprising 56 modern townhouses with 3 and 4 bedroom configurations at 60 Gorge Road, South Morang. Residences feature contemporary design, high-quality finishes, and sustainable building practices. The project is in pre-construction phase with plans and permits approved for 56 townhouses, located adjacent to Morang South Primary School.
Findon Road Arterial Road Completion - Plenty Road to Epping Road
State government advocacy for the completion of Findon Road as a declared arterial road with duplication between Plenty Road and Epping Road by 2030. Following the 2023 extension to Danaher Drive, the project aims to complete the connection, ease congestion, and provide the first major east-west arterial north of the Metropolitan Ring Road.
The Gorge Townhomes
Proposed townhouse development in the heart of South Morang. Modern architectural design with premium finishes and close proximity to local amenities and transport links. Site previously sold for $6.42M with permit for 36 townhomes.
Quarry Hills Precinct Structure Plan
A major 285-hectare precinct structure plan for sustainable community development with 2,358 dwellings. It features a village town centre, sporting fields, and integrates with the newly named bunjil nganga Parkland (formerly Quarry Hills). Key infrastructure under construction includes the Granite Hills Major Community Park and an Aboriginal Gathering Place.
Tram Extension to South Morang
Proposed extension of tram route 86 from Bundoora to South Morang, providing improved public transport connectivity and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
302 The Lakes Boulevard
Boutique residential development in prestigious Lakes Boulevard location. Premium finishes and lake-side living experience.
South Morang Civic Centre Precinct
Proposed civic centre development including council offices, community facilities, library, and public spaces to serve as a central hub for South Morang.
7,306 residents of South Morang - South are employed, from a labour force of 7,706. Unemployment sits at 5.2%, with participation at 71.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 11,000, about 84% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
South Morang has a highly capable labor pool, where essential services are well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.2%, and an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the previous year. As of March 2026, 7,306 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%, and workforce participation roughly matching Greater Melbourne's 70.1%. According to Census data, a moderate 22.4% of residents worked from home, although the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account. Resident workers are primarily engaged within health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Conversely, the professional & technical sector maintains a minor footprint, accounting for 6.0% of local jobs relative to 10.1% across the broader region. Given the contrast between the local working population count and resident worker numbers at the Census, the predominantly suburban area provides relatively few employment opportunities within its own boundaries. AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS and SALM releases demonstrates that over the 12-month period, local employment expanded by 1.0% while the broader labour pool grew by 2.8%, driving a 1.7 percentage points increase in the jobless rate. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded a 2.1% lift in employment, a 2.3% expansion in the labour force, and a 0.2 percentage points uptick in unemployment. Further context regarding prospective local hiring demand can be drawn from national employment projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26. Projected across five and ten-year horizons, these figures are mapped onto the local industrial base to illustrate possible employment trajectories. Nationwide job numbers are expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with considerable variation across distinct sectors. Calibrating these sectoral outlooks against South Morang - South's worker distribution indicates prospective local employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (note that this represents a direct weighted modeling exercise for illustrative purposes and omits specific local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in South Morang - South is $1,899 a week (about $99,000 a year), with median personal income at $781 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $58,403 a year against an average of $66,814. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer earnings across the South Morang - South SA2 sit marginally underneath the national benchmark according to ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median taxable income recorded across the South Morang - South SA2 reaches $58,403 while the mean income is $66,814, compared with Greater Melbourne benchmarks of $57,688 and $75,164, respectively. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates position typical earnings at approximately $64,021 (median) and $73,242 (average) as of March 2026. Findings from the Census 2021 reveal that personal, household, and family earnings across South Morang - South align closely with the 52nd percentile nationwide.
A substantial 38.3% proportion of local residents (4,999 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring broader regional patterns where 32.8% occupy this tier. Elevated shelter expenses absorb 15.3% of earnings, yet healthy wage levels ensure disposable income ranks in the 60th percentile, with the overall SEIFA income score positioning the locality in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
South Morang - South had 4,169 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 79% detached houses and 1% apartments. 50% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 28% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $380 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,787 a month. Rent absorbs 20.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census findings show that the built housing stock across South Morang - South consists of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (incorporating units, townhouses, and alternate residential types), contrasting with the wider Melbourne metro profile of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Outright home ownership within South Morang - South trails metropolitan levels at 27.5%, with remaining properties held under a mortgage (49.5%) or occupied by tenants (23.0%). Monthly mortgage commitments for local households show a median of $1,787, below the Melbourne metro figure of $2,000, whereas weekly rental payments show a median of $380, compared to $390 across Melbourne metro.
In a nationwide context, mortgage repayments in South Morang - South sit beneath the Australian norm of $1,863, whereas local rents surpass the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
South Morang - South counted 4,169 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,392 today, averaging 2.8 people each. 43% are couples with children, more than in 85% of areas nationally, against 21% couples without children. 20% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the vast majority of local domestic arrangements at 78.1% of all households, encompassing couples with children at 42.8%, couples without children at 21.1%, and single parent families at 13.1%. The remaining 21.9% comprises non-family residences, consisting of single-person households at 19.6% and share houses accounting for 2.3% of the total. Across the area, the median household occupancy of 2.8 people exceeds the Greater Melbourne norm of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
26.2% of adults in South Morang - South hold a university qualification, including 17.4% with a bachelor degree and 6.4% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 20.8% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 2,759 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,033 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
Tertiary attainment rates highlight educational challenges for the district, as the 26.2% proportion of residents holding higher education credentials falls well below the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 37.0%. This gap creates targeted opportunities for future education and training programs. Bachelor qualifications are the most prevalent at 17.4%, accompanied by postgraduate awards (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational and technical training is strongly established, with 31.8% of individuals aged 15+ possessing applied credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.0%) alongside certificates (20.8%). Learning engagement across the area is exceptionally strong, with 30.4% of the population actively undertaking formal education.
Breaking this down reveals 9.7% attending primary schools, 8.6% enrolled in secondary institutions, and 5.4% completing higher education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in South Morang - South reaches 45 stops on 9 routes, timetabled for about 4,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 280 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
The local transit network in South Morang - South features 45 active passenger stops, primarily dedicated to bus connections. A total of 9 individual routes operate across these facilities, delivering 4,885 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is favorable, with residents situated an average distance of 281 meters from their closest boarding point. Because the district functions predominantly as a residential community, outbound travel is common—private vehicles serve as the primary transport mode at 89%, while rail captures 6%. Household vehicle availability stands at an average of 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the metropolitan benchmark.
In addition, 22.4% of working residents carried out their duties from home (recorded at the 2021 Census, which coincided with COVID-19 restrictions). Transit service schedules deliver an average of 697 trips per day across the collective route network, representing roughly 108 weekly trips for each boarding stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.4% of residents in South Morang - South report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 79% of areas nationally. 7.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch analysis of local mortality and long-term health patterns, South Morang - South experiences noticeable health burdens, evidenced by higher-than-average rates of widespread chronic ailments, which become especially pronounced among older demographics. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage lags general SA2 standards slightly, held by approximately 52% of the local population (~6,801 people), as opposed to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the most widespread medical issues diagnosed locally, affecting 8.1 and 7.3% of community members, respectively, whereas 71.4% of the population reported no chronic health diagnoses, against 72.6% regionally across Greater Melbourne.
Residents under 65 years of age generally display superior health metrics relative to broader benchmarks. The community includes 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,911 people), and while health outcomes across this older demographic encounter notable difficulties, their national relative standing remains below that of the wider community profile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
33.0% of South Morang - South residents were born overseas and 37.0% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 78% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (18.6%) and English (16.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
South Morang - South exhibits a broad multicultural fabric, with 33.0% of local inhabitants born abroad and 37.0% communicating in a language other than English in their homes. Christianity is the predominant faith practice, embraced by 57.8% of the community. The most pronounced demographic divergence occurs within Hinduism, which represents 5.3% of the resident population compared to 4.4% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding ancestral heritage based on parents' birthplace, the primary backgrounds reported in South Morang - South are Australian (18.6% of the population), English (16.9%), and Other (13.5%). Furthermore, specific cultural backgrounds exhibit distinct concentrations compared to wider metropolitan patterns: Macedonian ancestry represents 5.0% locally (relative to 0.7% across the region), Italian background accounts for 11.8% (against 5.2%), and Maltese ancestry constitutes 1.7% (compared to 1.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of South Morang - South is 37. 29.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of South Morang - South closely parallels Greater Melbourne, with the most notable variation across any single age band limited to 3.0 percentage points. AreaSearch calculates the median resident age at 37 as at August 2026, identical to the figure from the 2021 Census and matching the Greater Melbourne median of 37 recorded during that Census. Across the timeline leading to 2041, the largest absolute population increase is anticipated within the mature adult and early retiree demographic (45 - 64), expanding by 1,618 residents (49%) to 4,918.
The most rapid percentage expansion is projected for the senior cohort (65+), climbing 84% to reach 3,520.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for South Morang - South
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 11 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 501 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (12,392 at the 2021 Census → 13,054 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 Aug 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 (209041436). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.