Sunshine

An assessment of population growth drivers in Sunshine reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Sunshine's population was around 10,135 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 690 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,445 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,104 in June 2024 and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,142 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sunshine's growth rate of 7.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 89.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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. By 2041, Sunshine is forecasted to have a population increase of 3,487 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 34.1% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Sunshine according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Sunshine averaged approximately 49 new dwelling approvals annually over recent years. Specifically, between Financial Year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25248 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY-26. The average construction value of these new homes is $337,000.

In terms of commercial development, Sunshine has recorded $48.4 million in approvals this financial year, indicating robust activity. Comparing Sunshine's construction activity per person to Greater Melbourne shows a 69.0% higher rate, offering buyers more choice. The new developments consist of 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards denser development to accommodate changing lifestyles and provide affordable options. Currently, Sunshine has around 271 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Sunshine is projected to gain 3,456 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Population forecasts indicate Sunshine will gain 3,456 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Sunshine has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Sunshine Superhub, Albion Station Upgrade, Sunshine Priority Precinct Vision 2050, Western Rail Plan, and Next Generation Trams. 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.

Sunshine shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Sunshine has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 7.4% as of September 2025.

Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 5.1%. As of that date, 5,556 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was lower, at 60.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing showed notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. However, professional & technical employed only 7.4% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1%, labour force grew by 5.5%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 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 Sunshine's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Sunshine SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $54,025 and an average income of $62,581 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was slightly lower than the national average, unlike Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $60,594 and the average income around $70,191, based on a 12.16% growth in Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. As of 2021 Census figures, Sunshine's household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly, between the 29th and 39th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 31.1% of residents (3,151 people), similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Sunshine, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile.

Sunshine displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Sunshine's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.4% houses and 30.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunshine was at 27.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.9% and rented ones at 42.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,842, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,700. Median weekly rent in Sunshine was $340, slightly lower than Melbourne metro's $346. Nationally, Sunshine's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

Sunshine features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.8% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 7.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

Educational attainment in Sunshine aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Sunshine's educational attainment notably exceeds broader standards. Among residents aged fifteen or above, thirty-five point four percent hold university qualifications, surpassing the SA3 area average of twenty-three point nine percent. This significant educational edge positions Sunshine favorably for knowledge-based prospects. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at twenty-two point six percent, followed by postgraduate qualifications (nine point eight percent) and graduate diplomas (three percent).

Vocational pathways comprise twenty-four point two percent of qualifications among those aged fifteen or above - advanced diplomas account for nine point four percent while certificates stand at fourteen point eight percent. Educational participation is notably high in Sunshine, with thirty-one point three percent of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes eight point four percent in primary education, seven point two percent in tertiary education, and five point nine percent pursuing secondary education.

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

Sunshine has 100 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 36 individual routes that collectively facilitate 23,696 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 131 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 3,385 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 236 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sunshine's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Sunshine. Prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population, nearing national averages for older and at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover rate was approximately 51% of the total population (~5,178 people), slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 48.1%. The most prevalent medical conditions were asthma (7.1%) and mental health issues (7.0%), while 74.4% reported no medical ailments, compared to 73.5% in Greater Melbourne. Sunshine has 13.2% residents aged 65 and over (1,339 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 17.9%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to being above average.

Sunshine is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sunshine has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 51.3% of its residents born overseas and 56.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sunshine, making up 40.1% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 11.1% versus 12.5%.

The top three ancestry groups in Sunshine are Other (20.3%), English (14.7%), and Australian (13.6%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese is overrepresented at 13.5% compared to the regional average of 15.7%, Maltese is underrepresented at 1.4% versus 4.6%, and Macedonian is also underrepresented at 0.8% compared to 2.5%.

Sunshine's population is younger than the national pattern

Sunshine's median age in 2021 was 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's median age of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constituted 19.8% of Sunshine's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 75-84 age cohort made up 3.8% of Sunshine's population. Between 2021 and the present, the 5 to 14 age group has increased from 10.0% to 10.8% of the population, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 21.0% to 19.8%. By 2041, it is projected that Sunshine's 55 to 64 age cohort will rise significantly, with an increase of 633 people (a 61% rise) from 1,032 to 1,666 individuals.