Median house price
—
No data available
VIC · Moorabool Council
Merrimu, 3340
Est. population · Jun 2025
438
Growth (1 yr)
+2.6%
Growth (5 yr)
+12.0%
Median age
39
Median income
$2,441/wk
Employment rate
63.8%
Languages at home
11.6%non-English
Most common: Italian
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Heritage area
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Merrimu offers a slower smaller community life in Moorabool Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street. Everyday life leans local, with a handful of trusted shops, a familiar main street and neighbours who know your name.
Open space is thinner than in many regional towns, so residents often travel a little further for a longer park day. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here than in denser, more walkable pockets. Housing sits above the suburban middle: not the top of the market, but clearly pricier than average.
Crime reports are up on the previous period. Occasional new builds add variety while most of the suburb keeps its established look.
Desirability lands around average here: softer local dining and lifestyle amenities weighing on the result versus similar regional towns, even with community and employment holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Merrimu snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
438
+2.6% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
10.1%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#74
among Country & regional · Emerging
Safety
44th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
92nd
percentile in VIC
Advantage (IRSAD)
7/10
national SEIFA decile
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 40.1/100 — Average
- National rank
- 3741st in Australia
- State rank
- 746th in VIC
- Peer rank
- #74 among Country & regional · Emerging suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #296 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 62%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Population
Estimated resident population
438(June 2025)
+2.6% annual · +12.0% over 5 years · 92th percentile in VIC
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +2.6%
- 5-year growth
- +12.0%
- Change in 1 year
- +11
- Change in 5 years
- +47
- Growth rank in VIC
- 92th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~500), extrapolated at +3.2% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 397
- Median age
- 39
- Median household income / week
- $2,441
- Dwelling vacancy
- 10.1%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 13 of 129
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,950
- Employment rate
- 63.8%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 111 / 0 / 0
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2026)
- 20
- Against the person
- 6
- Against property
- 12
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 45.7
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 66 residents
- State safety percentile
- 43.9th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +53.8%
Most common offence types
- A81 Dangerous Driving3
- A83 Throw Or Discharge Object Endangering People2
- B21 Criminal Damage2
- B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary2
- B49 Other Theft4
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · 2025 · Updated
Family & Lifestyle
Amenities
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 1
- Parks (OSM)
- 0
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Bacchus Marsh & Melton Regional Hospital (4.5 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 16
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 36.5
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 26° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 128 mm · ~16 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 21° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 124 mm · ~16 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 14° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 149 mm · ~19 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 19° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 182 mm · ~23 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).
11 planning-related records
2021· 6 proposals
August 2021
- Development of Two (2) Sheds Ancillary to an Existing Dwelling17 LINDSAY AVENUE MERRIMU 3340Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
June 2021
- Development and Use of a 2nd Dwelling26 LERDERDERG PARK ROAD MERRIMU 3340In progress
May 2021
- Use and Development of a Dependent Persons Unit Associated with an Existing Dwelling57 DODEMAIDE CIRCUIT MERRIMU 3340Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2021
- Development of a Dependant Persons Unit (DPU) in Association with an Existing Dwelling181 Flanagans DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
February 2021
- Two (2) Lot Subdivision152 Bences RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
January 2021
- Development of Additions Ancillary to an Existing Dwelling24 Tucker CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 5 proposals
December 2020
- Development of a Replacement Dwelling and Ancillary Outbuilding84 Lawson RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
September 2020
- Development of a Caretaker's Dwelling in Association with an Existing VineyardLawson RoadWithdrawn
August 2020
- Development and Use of a DwellingLot 144 Flanagans DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
July 2020
- Two (2) Lot Subdivision152 Bences RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
February 2020
- Use of land for landscape gardening supplies and materials recycling (road base, concrete, asphalt and aggregate)GISBORNE ROAD MERRIMU 3340Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · 2020–2022 · Updated · MapServer through FY 2022–23; newer data needs council/API access
Roadworks & transport
6 active roadworks / incidents
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 06/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WESTERN FREEWAY, WESTERN IN-BACCHUS MARSH RAMP OF05 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 06/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WESTERN IN-BACCHUS MARSH RAMP OF, WESTERN FREEWAY05 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 06/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WESTERN FREEWAY, WESTERN IN-BACCHUS MARSH RAMP OF05 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 06/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WESTERN IN-BACCHUS MARSH RAMP OF, WESTERN FREEWAY05 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026
- Other DTP Works (not Tram, Train or Bus Replacements) activities occurring between 20/05/2026 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Weekends 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WESTERN FREEWAY, WESTERN IN-BACCHUS MARSH RAMP OF19 May 2026 – 29 Aug 2026
- Other DTP Works (not Tram, Train or Bus Replacements) activities occurring between 20/05/2026 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Weekends 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WESTERN FREEWAY, BACCHUS MARSH-GISBORNE-WESTERN IN RAMP ON19 May 2026 – 29 Aug 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · current · Updated
Heritage
2 heritage places
- FORMER LEAHYS RESIDENCENH0907
- HOPETOUN CATHOLIC CEMETERYNH2059
Data sources & freshness
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Hawke
- Member of Parliament
- Sam RAE (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 118,785
- Turnout (2025)
- 91.1%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- 0.0 pp
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 42.4%Labor 57.6%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 8.3 km away).
Coalition 41.3%Labor 58.7%
1.1 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +0.1 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- DarleyLabor 56.8% · Coalition 43.2% TPP (2025)3.5 km away
- Bacchus MarshLabor 56.5% · Coalition 43.5% TPP (2025)4.0 km away
- Pentland HillsLabor 57.1% · Coalition 42.9% TPP (2025)4.7 km away
- MaddingleyLabor 59.4% · Coalition 40.6% TPP (2025)4.9 km away
- HarknessLabor 63.7% · Coalition 36.3% TPP (2025)6.0 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 7/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 8/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Moorabool Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.