South Morang - South

Population growth drivers in South Morang - South are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

South Morang - South's population was around 13,054 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 662 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,392. The change was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 13,054 in June 2025 and an additional 487 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,686 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 83% of overall population gains during recent periods.

All drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing 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. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing the area in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally. The area is expected to increase by 5,037 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 38.6% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions South Morang - South among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

South Morang - South has seen around 146 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 733 homes. As of FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed. This pace of construction matches or exceeds demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average construction value of new homes is $257,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY26, $19.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang - South has 17.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 92nd percentile nationally, suggesting robust developer interest despite recent periods of increased activity. New development consists of 28.0% detached dwellings and 72.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 79.0% houses). This trend indicates diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 69 people per dwelling approval, South Morang - South is considered a low density area.

Future projections estimate an addition of 5,037 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting that new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

South Morang - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 24 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Findon Road Arterial Road Completion - Plenty Road to Epping Road, 175 Gordons Road Development, 18 Bush Boulevard Apartments, and 300 Gordons Road Development. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in South Morang - South shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

South Morang - South has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% as of December 2025. This rate is 0.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in South Morang - South is at par with Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 22.4% of residents work from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 6.0% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force grew by 1.3%, resulting in a rise of 0.9 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4%, labour force grow by 2.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that South Morang - South's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, South Morang - South SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,403. The average income stood at $66,814 in this area. This was just below the national average and compared to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,021 for median income and $73,242 for average income as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in South Morang - South cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that the largest segment comprises 38.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with this cohort representing 4,999 residents. This aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income in South Morang - South. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 60th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

South Morang - South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Morang - South was at 27.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (49.5%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,787, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, South Morang - South's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.1% of all households, including 42.8% that are couples with children, 21.1% that are couples without children, and 13.1% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.6% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of South Morang - South exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area has university qualification rates at 26.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 20.8%. Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 45 active stops operating within South Morang - South, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 4,192 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 281 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains dominant at 89%, with train at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above regional average.

In 2021 Census, 22.4% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 598 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 93 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in South Morang - South is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

South Morang - South faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average, particularly among older age cohorts.

Private health cover is slightly below average at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,801 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.1% and 7.3% of residents respectively. However, 71.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 15.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,027 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

South Morang - South 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 - South has a culturally diverse population, with 33.0% born overseas and 37.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Morang - South, making up 57.8% of its population. Hinduism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 5.3% versus 4.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.6%), English (16.9%), and Other (13.5%). Notably, Macedonian (5.0%) and Italian (11.8%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 5.2%, respectively. Maltese ethnicity also shows a slight divergence at 1.7% versus the regional average of 1.1%.

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

South Morang-South has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and being comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group is strongly represented at 12.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure. Meanwhile, the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 13.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has increased from 10.8% to 12.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.4% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Morang-South's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 51%, reaching 2,574 people from its current total of 1,707.