Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile
North Melbourne
2 km²
A short drive to the city defines North Melbourne, an inner-city hub where high-density living meets an exceptionally walkable urban design. It is a young and transient community, with a typical resident aged just 31 and over 60% of people having moved here in the last five years. The area is highly international and well-qualified, though the prevalence of renters and small apartments gives it a distinct feel from the wider state. This mix of young professionals and recent arrivals creates a fast-paced, metropolitan character.
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The community is noticeably younger than the national figure, with children under 15 and seniors making up a much smaller share of the population than usual. Many residents are in de facto relationships, a figure well above the state average.
International roots are common here, with 42.4% of people born overseas, which is far above the national figure. This is reflected in the ancestry, where English, Australian, and Chinese heritage are the most prominent.
Language diversity is high, as 37.7% of residents use a language other than English at home—far above the national average. Mandarin is the most common non-English language, and 5.2% of people speak little or no English.
A majority of residents do not identify with a religion, at 53.9%, which is far above the figures for Victoria and Australia.
The area is highly educated, with 52.6% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher—far above the national average. Year 12 completion is also much higher than most similar areas.
Typical personal income is a little above the state and national figures. This is seen in the high proportion of people earning $2,000 or more a week, which is well above the national average.
Residents are generally healthier than average, with much lower rates of long-term health conditions and daily assistance needs. However, the rate of mental health conditions is a little above the national figure.
Unpaid care and housework are much less common here than in other areas, which is consistent with the young, professional population. Volunteers are slightly more common than in the rest of the state.
A small First Nations community lives here, with a Year 12 completion rate far above the national figure. Those who speak a First Nations language are well above the state average.
Living arrangements are dominated by single people, with 40.5% of residents living alone—far above the national figure. Consequently, homes are smaller, with only 2.0 people per household.
Rental properties are very common, accounting for 64% of homes, which is far above the state average. Most residents live in flats or apartments, and very few homes have three or more bedrooms.
Car ownership is much lower than usual, with 33.3% of homes having no vehicle. This is supported by high public transport use and a very high number of people working from home.
The area is highly mobile, with 61% of people moving in the last five years. This includes a high number of recent arrivals from overseas, which is far above the national figure.
More adults are working or looking for work compared to most areas, with a strong presence of professionals and those in health and education. The unemployment rate is a little above the national figure.
Population growth has been very strong, rising 21% since 2021. While the area has a very high score for job skills, its overall advantage is higher than 80% of similar areas.
The area receives a little more rainfall than the state average. Minimum temperatures are well above the state figure, while maximums are about the same.
This is a walker's paradise with a score of 9.6. Every single home is within a 15-minute walk of public transport, parks, schools, groceries, and health services.