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 13,555 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,163 people, a 9.4% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 12,392. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,889 in June 2024 and an additional 479 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,751 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 9.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends forecasted a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with South Morang - South expected to increase by 5,140 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 33.0% over the 17 years.

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

South Morang - South has seen approximately 146 dwellings granted development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 733 homes. As of FY26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been observed between FY21 and FY25. This pace matches or exceeds demand, providing more housing options and potentially driving 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 for purchasers. In the current financial year, $19.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang - South has 19.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 92nd percentile nationally, suggesting robust developer interest despite recent periods of lower activity. New developments consist 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 may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 69 people per dwelling approval, South Morang - South exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 4,474 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 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 is 4.0%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment stability in the area has remained relatively consistent over the past year. As of September 2025, 7,229 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, 0.7% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

Employment in South Morang - South is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Professional & technical services have limited presence with 6.0% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force grew by 0.3%, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 4.0%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. 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 employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Morang - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows South Morang - South SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,958 and an average level of $64,078. This is just below the national average, which compares 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, family and personal incomes in South Morang - South cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 38.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,191 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 60th percentile and 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

In South Morang - South, as per the latest Census, 78.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Morang - South was 27.5%, similar to Melbourne metro's figure. The area had a median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,787, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,900, but close to the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in South Morang - South was $380, higher than Melbourne metro's $371 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.1% of all households, consisting of 42.8% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 13.1% 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 26.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - 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

Analysis of public transport in South Morang - South indicates 42 active transport stops operating within the area. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. Eight individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 5,927 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 281 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 846 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 141 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in South Morang - South are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

South Morang - South has below-average health indicators compared to national averages.

Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher among older cohorts, with mental health issues and arthritis affecting 8.1% and 7.3% of residents respectively. Approximately 6,940 people, or 51%, have private health cover, slightly lower than the average for SA2 areas. About 71.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.9% (2,149 people), compared to 13.2% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than 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's cultural diversity ranks high, with 33.0% born overseas and 37.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in South Morang, comprising 57.8%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.3% versus 6.3%.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (18.6%), English (16.9%), and Other (13.5%). Notable ethnic group divergences include Macedonian at 5.0%, Italian at 11.8%, and Maltese at 1.7%.

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

South Morang - South has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 11.9% of the population in South Morang - South, higher than Greater Melbourne's figure. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort makes up 13.6%, which is lower compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and now, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.7% to 5.8%. The 55-64 cohort has also risen from 10.8% to 11.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Morang - South's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 41%, adding 750 people to reach a total of 2,570 from its current figure of 1,819.