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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.
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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%. 487 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 the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of South Morang - South is approximately 13,054 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 662 residents (5.3%) from the 12,392 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 13,054 in June 2025 alongside 487 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1,686 persons per square kilometer, a figure that exceeds the typical density of locations evaluated nationwide by AreaSearch. The primary driver of this population growth was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 83.0% of the total population increase in recent times, though other elements such as natural increase and interstate migration also made positive contributions.
AreaSearch incorporates the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, which utilize 2022 as their baseline year. In instances where specific SA2 areas lack coverage in this dataset, AreaSearch uses the 2023 projections from the Victorian State Government, applying a weighted aggregation method to translate population growth from the LGA scale to the SA2 scale. The resulting growth rates by age group are projected forward from 2032 to 2041 across all regions. Future projections indicate that the district will experience rapid expansion, placing it in the top 10 percent of all statistical areas nationwide, with an expected increase of 5,037 residents by 2041 when measured against the most recent annual ERP data, translating to a total growth rate of 38.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
733 new dwellings have been approved in South Morang - South over the past five years, an average of 146 a year. That places the area in the 75th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 11 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. Few approvals have been recorded in the most recent months, well below the longer-run average; the latest ABS periods are still being reported. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
South Morang - South registers an average of approximately 146 new residential approvals each year, totaling 733 approvals over the previous 5 financial years (spanning FY-21 to FY-25) and 3 registrations so far in FY-26. Because the region averages only 0.3 new residents per constructed dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the incoming housing supply matches or exceeds local demand, ensuring buyers have many options and allowing room for population increases beyond current projections. The average construction value for these new properties is $257,000, which sits below the regional average and offers more affordable entry options for home buyers.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $19.5 million during the current financial year, demonstrating ongoing commercial investment in the area. When measured against Greater Melbourne, the per capita rate of new development in South Morang - South is 17.0% lower, yet the location ranks in the 92nd percentile of all evaluated areas across Australia, pointing to a recent rise in building initiatives. This volume of construction is significantly higher than the national average, showcasing strong confidence from developers. Current residential projects consist of 28.0% standalone houses and 72.0% medium or high-density dwellings like townhouses and apartments. High-density residential projects provide more affordable options and cater to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This shift contrasts with the existing residential stock, which consists of 79.0% traditional houses, and reflects a decrease in available development land as well as changing lifestyle and cost preferences. Recording approximately 70 people for every dwelling approval, South Morang - South exhibits the traits of a low density area. Based on the most recent quarterly figures from AreaSearch, the population of South Morang - South is projected to expand by 5,037 residents by the year 2041. Considering recent construction trends, the supply of new housing is expected to easily accommodate this demand, sustaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially enabling faster population expansion than current models suggest.
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
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and urban planning changes are primary drivers of regional development. AreaSearch has identified a total of 24 projects likely to influence the local area. Principal projects 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 details of the most significant initiatives provided below.
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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 71.1%. 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 - South is characterized by a skilled labor force with strong representation in essential services, showing a 5.2% unemployment rate and an estimated 1.0% growth in jobs over the past year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 7,306, while the local unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than the Greater Melbourne rate of 4.8%, and the labor force participation rate remained close to the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census data reveals that a moderate portion of the workforce, 22.4%, operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. In contrast, professional & technical services are underrepresented locally, making up 6.0% of employment compared to the metropolitan benchmark of 10.1%. Comparison of the working population data from the Census against the resident population suggests that this predominantly residential suburb offers limited local employment opportunities. An analysis of ABS and SALM data by AreaSearch shows that during the 12-month period, local employment expanded by 1.0% while the total labor force grew by 2.8%, leading to a 1.7 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded job growth of 2.1% and labor force growth of 2.3%, resulting in a minor unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. The May-25 national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future labor demand in South Morang - South. These five and ten-year forecasts have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate future trends. While national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change differ by sector. Applying these industry projections to the employment profile of South Morang - South suggests that local employment could increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this simple weighting calculation is for illustration only and does not incorporate local population projections.
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
According to the latest ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, taxpayer income levels in the South Morang - South SA2 are slightly below the national average. Taxpayers in the South Morang - South SA2 record a median income of $58,403 and an average income of $66,814, compared to Greater Melbourne averages of $57,688 and $75,164. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $64,021 for the median and $73,242 for the average.
The 2021 Census places family, household, and individual earnings in South Morang - South in the 52nd percentile nationally. The largest income group comprises 38.3% of the local population (4,999 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the wider region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. High housing costs account for 15.3% of income, yet solid overall earnings place disposable income in the 60th percentile, with the area ranking in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.
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
At the time of the last Census, the housing stock in South Morang - South consisted of 78.6% standalone houses and 21.4% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to the Melbourne metropolitan split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative dwellings. Home ownership in South Morang - South was lower than the Melbourne metropolitan average, sitting at 27.5%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (49.5%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,787 was lower than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $380, compared to $390 in the metropolitan area.
Locally, mortgage repayments in South Morang - South are below the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national average 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
Family households represent the vast majority of homes at 78.1%, consisting of couples with children at 42.8%, couples without children at 21.1%, and single-parent homes at 13.1%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 21.9%, with single-person households representing 19.6% and group housing making up 2.3%. The median household size of 2.8 individuals is slightly larger than the Greater Melbourne average 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
The region shows lower rates of higher education, with university qualification levels at 26.2%, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This highlights a clear area for targeted educational strategies. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a qualification, including 11.0% with advanced diplomas and 20.8% with certificates. A high proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 30.4% of local residents enrolled in formal education.
This group comprises 9.7% in primary school, 8.6% in high school, and 5.4% attending university or college.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in South Morang - South reaches 45 stops on 9 routes, timetabled for about 4,200 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
Analysis of the local transport network shows 45 active public transport stops in South Morang - South, consisting entirely of bus services. These stops are served by 9 separate routes, which combine to support 4,192 passenger journeys each week. Local transport access is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 281 meters from their nearest stop. Given the suburban character of the area, most workers travel to jobs outside the suburb, with private cars being the dominant travel mode at 89% and trains accounting for 6%. Household car ownership averages 1.6 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average.
In the 2021 Census, 22.4% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions. Public transport services run at an average frequency of 598 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 93 weekly departures at each individual 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
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, South Morang - South faces notable health challenges, with a higher prevalence of common health conditions that is particularly pronounced among older residents. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly lower than the average SA2 region, covering approximately 52% of the population (~6,801 people) compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent health concerns in the community are mental health issues, affecting 8.1% of residents, and arthritis, affecting 7.3%. Conversely, 71.4% of the population reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
Residents under the age of 65 exhibit better than average health outcomes. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 15.5% of the population (2,027 people), and while health outcomes for this group present challenges, their national health ranking is lower than that of the younger local demographic.
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 is characterized by high levels of cultural diversity, with 33.0% of residents born outside Australia and 37.0% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 57.8% of the local population. However, the most distinct religious difference is in Hinduism, which represents 5.3% of the community compared to 4.4% across the Greater Melbourne area. Regarding parent birthplaces, the largest ancestral groups in South Morang - South are Australian at 18.6%, English at 16.9%, and Other at 13.5%. The data also highlights distinct concentrations of other ethnic heritages: Macedonian ancestry is represented at 5.0% (compared to 0.7% regionally), Italian at 11.8% (compared to 5.2% regionally), and Maltese at 1.7% (compared to 1.1% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of South Morang - South is 37. 28.3% 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
With a median age of 37, South Morang - South is identical to the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and comparable to the national figure of 38. The 55 - 64 age category is highly represented at 12.3% of the population relative to Greater Melbourne, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 13.8%. Since 2021, the cohort aged 55 to 64 has increased from 10.8% to 12.3% of the population, while the group aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 14.4% to 13.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic forecasts project major changes in the age profile of South Morang - South, led by the 45 to 54 cohort, which is expected to expand by 51% (866 people), rising from 1,707 to 2,574.
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 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 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 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 — 487 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 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 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 (209041436). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.