Region (SA4) · Area profile
Melbourne - South East
1,922 km²
Daily life in Melbourne - South East is shaped by large family households and a significant migrant population. The area has grown rapidly, adding over 200,000 people since 2011 to reach a population of 860,060. It is a notably young community where the typical resident is 35, and nearly 20% of people are children. This youthfulness, combined with a high percentage of overseas-born residents, makes it one of the most diverse and fast-growing regions in the state.
A family-heavy area that's short on schools per child.
Rapid population growth here is outstripping school provision.
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The area is noticeably younger than the state and national figures, with the typical resident aged 35. Children under 15 make up 19.9% of the population, which is much higher than in most other similar areas.
People born overseas make up 44.6% of the community, a figure far above the national average. English, Australian, Chinese, and Indian are the most common ancestries.
Diversity is high here, with 45.2% of people using a language other than English at home. This is far above the national figure, and about 8% of residents speak little or no English.
Religious affiliation is more common here than in most areas; 30.9% of people report no religion, which is well below the state and national figures.
Education levels have risen, with 63.1% of residents completing Year 12. Those with a bachelor degree or higher make up 26%, which is about the same as the national average.
The typical weekly household income is $1,811, which is slightly higher than the state average. Weekly personal incomes are around $745, while the proportion of high-earners is lower than in most areas.
The community reports fewer long-term health conditions than most areas, with only 23.9% affected. Mental health conditions are also reported at a much lower rate than in other similar areas.
Unpaid childcare is common, with 27.7% of people providing this support. However, volunteering is much lower than in most areas, at 9.8%.
There are 4,751 First Nations people in the area. Year 12 completion among this group is 44.5%, which is well above the national figure.
Homes tend to be large, with 2.9 people per household, which is among the highest for this level. Only 18.8% of people live alone, well below the national average.
The area is dominated by separate houses, and 84.1% of homes have three or more bedrooms. Typical weekly rents are $380, and monthly mortgage payments are $1,963.
Most people rely on cars, with 56.9% driving to work and 41.4% of homes having two vehicles. Working from home has risen sharply to 20.6% since 2011.
The population is quite mobile, with 41.4% of people having moved in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas make up 15.3% of the community.
More people are working or looking for work here than in most similar areas. The most common industries are health care, manufacturing, and construction.
Growth remains very strong in the region, with the population estimate reaching 958,772. Recent growth since 2021 is 10.2%, which is much higher than most other areas.
The area is wetter than the state average, with annual rainfall of 1,050mm. Temperatures are generally cooler, with an average maximum of 20 degrees.
The region is very walkable, with 89.1% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport and 96.3% near a park.