Southbank (West) - South Wharf

Population growth drivers in Southbank (West) - South Wharf are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Southbank (West) - South Wharf's population was around 7,921 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,458 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,463 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,866 in June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 9,318 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Southbank (West) - South Wharf's growth of 22.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 92.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 with adjustments made 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. Looking ahead, exceptional growth was predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 6,118 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 76.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Southbank (West) - South Wharf according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Southbank West-South Wharf has seen approximately 158 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 794 homes were approved, with none yet in FY26. On average, about 0.2 people moved into the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This pace of new construction has kept up with or exceeded demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially exceeding current population growth expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $414,000. In FY26, there have been $29.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Southbank West-South Wharf has shown 75% higher construction activity per capita, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. All new construction has consisted of medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Southbank West-South Wharf is projected to add 6063 residents by 2041. Development pace has been reasonable relative to projected growth, though increasing competition may arise as the population expands.

Southbank (West) - South Wharf has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 56 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Sento, One Queensbridge, R.Evolution, and Arts Centre Melbourne Ian Potter State Theatre Upgrades. The following 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.

Southbank (West) - South Wharf ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Southbank West - South Wharf has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.7%. In the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 5.1%.

As of September 2025, 5,906 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 1.7% and workforce participation at 82.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 46.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries are professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food. The area has a strong specialisation in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 8.5% compared to 14.2% regionally.

There are 4.5 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1%, labour force grew by 5.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Southbank West - South Wharf's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

The Southbank (West) - South Wharf SA2 had median income of $58,179 and average income of $75,649 in financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% suggest median income will be approximately $62,979 and average income will be around $81,890. Census 2021 data shows individual earnings in the area are at the 92nd percentile nationally, with weekly earnings of $1,227. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, comprising 36.6% of residents (2,899 people). This pattern is similar to surrounding regions where 32.8% fall within this range. High housing costs consume 17.8% of income in the area. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 66th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Southbank (West) - South Wharf features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Southbank (West) - South Wharf's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 0.0% houses and 100.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's dwelling composition of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southbank (West) - South Wharf stood at 16.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.7% and rented ones at 64.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $430, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Southbank (West) - South Wharf's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Southbank (West) - South Wharf features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 47.0% of all households, including 10.3% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 4.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 53.0%, with lone person households at 43.1% and group households comprising 9.7%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Southbank (West) - South Wharf exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Southbank (West) - South Wharf's residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than national and state averages. 64.5% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational pathways account for 18.4%, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 8.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in tertiary education, 3.3% in primary education, and 1.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Southbank (West) - South Wharf has 14 active public transport stops. These are a mix of light rail and bus services, operated by 11 individual routes. The total weekly passenger trips across these routes is 9,265. Transport accessibility in the area is rated excellent, with residents typically located 121 meters from their nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 35%, followed by walking at 26% and train at 13%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 46.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,323 trips per day, equating to approximately 661 weekly trips per individual stop.

Southbank (West) - South Wharf's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Southbank (West) - South Wharf based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~4,483 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 6.0 and 5.5% of residents respectively, while 81.4% report being completely free of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 8.0% of residents aged 65 and over (636 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly aligning with the general population.

Southbank (West) - South Wharf is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Southbank West-South Wharf is among the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 50.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home as of 2016 Census data. Additionally, 62.3% of the population was born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Southbank West-South Wharf, comprising 30.8% of the population, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Religion in Australia report (2016).

However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 6.8%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (19.0%), Chinese (17.0%), and English (16.1%). The Chinese population is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of Korean (1.8% vs 0.3%), Spanish (0.9% vs 0.4%), and Indian (8.2% vs 4.2%) ethnic groups compared to Greater Melbourne averages.

Southbank (West) - South Wharf's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Southbank (West) - South Wharf has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, this area has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 at 36.2%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 3.4%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of those aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.0% to 13.4%, while the proportion of those aged 0 to 4 has decreased from 3.8% to 3.0%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Southbank (West) - South Wharf's population. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 53%, adding 1,531 residents and reaching a total of 4,401 residents.