The Basin

The Basin is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The Basin's population was approximately 4,345 people as per the 2021 Census. By May 2026, it had decreased to around 4,336, a decrease of 9 people (0.2%). This change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,336 in June 2025 and the addition of 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 758 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed around 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends suggest lower quartile growth in statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, The Basin is expected to expand by approximately 130 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of around 3.0% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in The Basin is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Basin averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 27 homes were approved, with a further nine approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost of new properties is $430,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This financial year saw $1.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, The Basin has significantly less development activity, with 73.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1264 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, The Basin is expected to grow by 130 residents through to 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

The Basin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting this region: Mountain Highway Logistics Hub. Key projects include Angliss Hospital Expansion, Bayswater Business Precinct Transformation Strategy, and Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program.

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

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Employment performance in The Basin exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

The Basin's workforce is skilled with the construction sector being prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.8% in December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%.

As of December 2025, 2,471 residents were employed with a 1.0% lower unemployment rate compared to Greater Melbourne and workforce participation at 72.3%. A high proportion, 25.8%, worked from home based on Census responses. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical jobs are under-represented at 6.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. From December 2024 to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 1.5%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.7 percentage points in The Basin. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within The Basin. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to The Basin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows The Basin SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,839 and an average of $70,207. These figures are above the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median was $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $64,499 (median) and $76,961 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in The Basin cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 37.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, with this band representing 32.8% of the broader area's population. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income. The Basin residents rank in the 73rd percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

The Basin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The Basin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in The Basin stood at 36.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.4% and rented ones at 10.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $366, lower than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, The Basin's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $366 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 79.7% of all households, including 39.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 18.6% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 23.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 13.5% and certificates at 26.6%. Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The Basin has 15 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 507 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living 263 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outwards, primarily using cars (93%). On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, which exceeds the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 25.8% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 72 trips per day, equating to roughly 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in The Basin is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

The Basin faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54%, covering around 2,337 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.4% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Around 68.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical for the area. It has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (719 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. National rankings for health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population.

The Basin ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

The Basin's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.0% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in The Basin, comprising 38.2% of people. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, English is the most represented group in The Basin at 31.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%. Australian ancestry follows at 27.4%, also higher than the regional average of 18.4%. Scottish ancestry is present at 8.8%. Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 2.8% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, as are Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.4%) and Sri Lankan at 0.7% (vs 0.8%).

The Basin's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in The Basin is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, The Basin has a notably higher percentage of people aged 55-64 (13.7% locally) and a lower percentage of people aged 25-34 (9.1%). Post-2021 Census data shows the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.4% to 14.2%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 3.8% to 5.6%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 25-34 declined from 12.1% to 9.1%, and the 5-14 age group decreased from 13.9% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in The Basin, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 110% (from 67 to 142 people). Residents aged 65 and older will represent 59% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.