State Electorate · Area profile
Dandenong (South-Eastern Metropolitan)
61 km²
Much younger than most similar areas, Dandenong is a diverse community where the typical resident is just 35. It is a major hub for migration, with over half the population born overseas and nearly 60% using a language other than English at home. While the area faces challenges with lower typical incomes and higher unemployment, it is highly walkable with excellent access to public transport and essential services. This mix of cultural richness and urban accessibility defines its unique character in Greater Melbourne.
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The typical resident is 35, which is noticeably younger than the national figure of 38. While the population has shrunk by about 7.8% since 2011, there has been a rise in seniors, who now make up 15.0% of the community.
This is a highly diverse area where 55.4% of people were born overseas, a figure that rose 30 points since 2011 and is far above the national average of 27.7%. The most common ancestries include English, Australian, and Indian.
Language diversity is very high, with 59.9% of people using a language other than English at home—far above the 22.3% national figure. This has risen 44 points since 2011, though the proportion of people speaking little or no English fell slightly to 12.8%.
Religious affiliation is strong here, with only 17.7% of people reporting no religion, which is far below the national figure of 38.9%. The most common religions are Christianity (34.7%) and Islam (23.4%).
Educational attainment has improved, with the share of adults holding a bachelor degree rising 9.5 points since 2011 to 18.8%. However, this remains well below the national figure of 26.3%.
Typical weekly household income is $1,358, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. This trend is mirrored in personal incomes, with the typical weekly amount of $606 being among the lowest for its level.
A higher number of people need help with daily activities compared to most areas, rising 3.3 points since 2011 to 7.7%. Conversely, the rate of long-term health conditions at 23.4% is well below the national figure.
Community participation is lower than usual, with only 7.3% of people volunteering, which is well below the national figure of 14.1%. There has also been a fall in people providing unpaid childcare and housework since 2011.
Homes here are larger than usual, with an average of 2.8 people per home. One-parent families are also much more common than in most areas, making up 16.8% of households.
Renters are very common, making up 39.3% of households—far above the national figure of 30.6%. This shift is consistent with a decline in separate houses and a rise in townhouses and apartments since 2011.
The area is exceptionally well-served by public transport, with 456 stops and 49 routes. This high accessibility means 9.0% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is much higher than most areas.
The community is quite mobile, with 38.7% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas make up 16.6% of the population, slightly above the national figure.
Unemployment is high at 8.2%, which is well above the national figure of 5.1%. The workforce is concentrated in health care, manufacturing, and construction, though the number of people working or looking for work has fallen 12 points since 2011.
Dandenong is very walkable, with 98.1% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport. Most residents can also reach groceries, parks, and health services within a 15-minute walk.