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 is approximately 13,085 as of February 2026. This represents an increase of 693 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,392. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 12,889 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 479 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,690 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.2% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends predict exceptional growth placing South Morang - South in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationwide. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by approximately 5,140 persons based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 37.8% over the 17-year period.

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 approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 733 homes. As of FY26, two approvals have been recorded. The average annual increase in residents per dwelling constructed during this period is 0.1. This pace of new construction mirrors or exceeds demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $257,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY26, commercial approvals totalling $19.5 million have been registered, reflecting steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, South Morang - South has 19.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 92nd percentile nationally for development activity. This high level of developer interest is significantly above the national average. The composition of new development is 28.0% detached dwellings and 72.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 79.0% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

South Morang - South has an average of approximately 69 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 4,944 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones include Findon Road Arterial Road Completion from 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 prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment stability has been maintained over the past year, with 7,229 residents employed as of September 2025.

Workforce participation in South Morang - South is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.0%. According to Census responses, 22.4% of residents work from home. Employment 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 predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.3% alongside labour force growth of 0.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.0%. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0%, labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment rose to 5.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 on June 30, 2023, South Morang - South SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,403 with an average level of $66,814. This is just below the national average and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,221 (median) and $72,326 (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 that the largest segment comprises 38.3% earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (5,011 residents), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, placing disposable income at the 60th percentile nationally 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

The dwelling structure in South Morang - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Morang - South was at 27.5%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (49.5%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,787, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $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% 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%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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's university qualification rate is 26.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. 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, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (20.8%). Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.7% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 5.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

South Morang - South has 45 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, providing a total of 4,192 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 281 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%, while train usage stands at 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.6, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect 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 stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,817 people), slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent conditions are mental health issues (8.1%) and arthritis (7.3%), with 71.4% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. However, 16.6% of the population is aged 65 and over (2,168 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally 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 scored highly in cultural diversity, with 33.0% of its population born overseas and 37.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 57.8%. Hinduism showed overrepresentation at 5.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.4%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (18.6%), English (16.9%), and Other (13.5%). Notably, Macedonian (5.0%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.7%. Similarly, Italian (11.8% vs 5.2%) and Maltese (1.7% vs 1.1%) were also overrepresented.

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 closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 12.2% of the population in South Morang - South compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 13.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has risen from 10.8% to 12.2%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 4.7% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Morang - South's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 49%, adding 844 people and reaching a total of 2,570 from its current count of 1,725.