Median house price
$810k
+7.5% change
VIC · Whittlesea Council
South Morang, 3752
Est. population · Jun 2025
26,673
Growth (1 yr)
+1.6%
Growth (5 yr)
+2.1%
Median age
36
Median income
$2,078/wk
Employment rate
65.5%
Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025
$810,000
Languages at home
38.2%non-English
Most common: Macedonian, Italian, Arabic
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- High desirability
- Excellent transport
- Education hub
- Heritage area
Suburb profile
In Whittlesea Council, South Morang is a settled established suburb with a familiar suburban feel and good links to the wider city. Working households and growing families are the backbone of local life, with plenty of young families in the mix. Many residents were born overseas or speak a language other than English at home.
Fitness and outdoor sport options are a real part of local life, not just a distant club trip away. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. Most routine trips are on foot, while buses and trains cover longer journeys across the metro area.
Buyers typically pay more than the metro middle for a home here. Construction and infill projects are noticeably reshaping parts of the area.
Against similar metro suburbs, schools and education, plus housing affordability stand out and the overall desirability rating is good, with growth momentum less decisive.
At a glance
South Morang snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$530/wk
Population (ERP)
26,673
+1.6% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
3.3%
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
#44
among Metro Melbourne · Growth area
Safety
46th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
83rd
percentile in VIC
Advantage (IRSAD)
7/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
53rd
percentile among schools with ICSEA
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
- 67.5/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 12% of Victoria's suburbs
- National rank
- 364th in Australia
- State rank
- 152nd in VIC
- Peer rank
- #44 among Metro Melbourne · Growth area suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #110 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
- Data confidence
- 100%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- All types (Sep 2025 (council median))
- $530
- Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
- $810,000
- Median price change
- +7.5%
Median weekly rent from Victorian government rent reports. Council median fallback may apply where suburb rent is unavailable.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DFFH rent report and Valuer-General property sales report — Department of Families, Fairness and Housing / Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · 4th Quarter 2025; Sep 2025 (council median) · Updated · Quarterly releases; council median rent fallback where suburb rent unavailable
Population
Estimated resident population
26,673(June 2025)
+1.6% annual · +2.1% over 5 years · 83th percentile in VIC
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.6%
- 5-year growth
- +2.1%
- Change in 1 year
- +431
- Change in 5 years
- +539
- Growth rank in VIC
- 83th 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 (~28,650), extrapolated at +1.4% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 24,989
- Median age
- 36
- Median household income / week
- $2,078
- Dwelling vacancy
- 3.3%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 272 of 8,307
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,900
- Employment rate
- 65.5%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 6,781 / 1,217 / 34
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 decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2026)
- 1,281
- Against the person
- 211
- Against property
- 809
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 48
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 118 residents
- State safety percentile
- 45.9th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -7.4%
Most common offence types
- B21 Criminal Damage92
- B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle236
- B43 Steal From A Retail Store98
- B49 Other Theft89
- E21 Breach Family Violence Order141
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
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 3
- Median school ICSEA (3 schools)
- 1,013
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 53th
School list
- The Lakes South Morang CollegeCombined · Government · ICSEA 1004 · 49th percentile · LBOTE 46% · 688 students · Top SEA quarter 11% · 0.7 km awayView on My School →
- Marymede Catholic CollegeCombined · Catholic · ICSEA 1069 · 75th percentile · LBOTE 19% · 2,467 students · Top SEA quarter 25% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →
- Plenty River CollegeSecondary · Independent · ICSEA 1013 · 53th percentile · LBOTE 20% · 62 students · Top SEA quarter 9% · 1.9 km awayView on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Childcare
4 childcare services from OpenStreetMap
- Brighthouse Early Learning South MorangMcGlynn Avenuekindergarten
- Gumboots Early Learning CentreThe Lakes Boulevardkindergarten
- Paradise Kids Children's CentreParadise Waychildcare
- South Morang PreschoolReid Streetkindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated
Public transport
122 public transport stops in this suburb
- Hawkstowe Rail Replacement Bus Stop
- Hawkstowe Station
- Hawkstowe Station
- Middle Gorge Rail Replacement Bus Stop
- Middle Gorge Station
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- GTFS public transport stops — State transport authority open-data feeds · current · Updated
Amenities
177 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 cafes · 1 supermarkets · 1 pharmacies · 1 fast food · 7 playgrounds · 1 sports centres · 5 swimming pools · 1 petrol stations
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Highly walkable for everyday errands
- Great for outdoor family life — 166 parks mapped in suburb, 7 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 122 public transport stops
- Strong local sport and recreation — 17 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 74/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.04
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0.08
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 6.64
Food & drink(2)
- Miss V Espresso & Pizza BarCafe
- The Lakes Pizza, Pasta and RibsFast food
Shopping(2)
- ColesSupermarket
290 Gordons Road
Community(5)
- Paradise Kids Children's CentreChildcare
1 Paradise Way
- Gumboots Early Learning CentreKindergarten
289 The Lakes Boulevard
- Marymede Catholic CollegeSchool
60 Williamsons Road, South Morang
- The Lakes South Morang CollegeSchool
80 Jardier Terrace
- The Lakes South Morang College Primary CampusSchool
275 Gordons Road
Health & services(3)
- Lakes Boulevard Medical CentreClinic
547-549 The Lakes Boulevard
- Genuine DentalDentist
- TerryWhite ChemmartPharmacy
Sport & outdoors(111)
- Arrowgrass WalkwayPark
- Auburn Road Red Gum ReservePark
- Bliss Red Gum ReservePark
- Bugle WalkwayPark
- Comata ParkPark
- Eden WalkwayPark
- Ellendale Way Pipe TrackPark
- Flame WalkwayPark
- Foxtail ParkPark
- Glenorchy Pipe TrackPark
- Gordons Road ReservePark
- Grange ParkPark
- Harmony Red Gum ReservePark
- Hendersons Creek Linear Park (Eastern Arm)Park
- Hendersons Creek Linear Park (Northern Arm)Park
- Hendersons Creek WetlandsPark
- Hillcroft ParkPark
- Jardier ParkPark
- Jindabyne ParkPark
- Kanooka WalkwayPark
- Kerford WalkwayPark
- Kestral WalkwayPark
- Kinkora Redgum ReservePark
- Kinkora ReservePark
- Kinkora WalkwayPark
- Koonunga ParkPark
- Lanata Tree ReservePark
- Lanata WalkwayPark
- Lazar Red GumPark
- Maison Terrace ParkPark
- Mill Park Recreation ReservePark
- Nighthawk ParkPark
- Nighthawk ReservePark
- Outcrop MedianPark
- Paringa Red Gum ReservePark
- Park
1W Maidenhair Rise
- Park (40)
- Parkside Red GumPark
- Penne ParkPark
- Penola Red Gum ReservePark
- Pipe Track ParkPark
- Poppy ParkPark
- Red Oaks ParkPark
- Reefton ParkPark
- Royal ParkPark
- Sabre Way ParkPark
- Sasha Terrace WalkwayPark
- Scenic Terrace ParkPark
- Swallow Street GumsPark
- The Common Red Gum ReservePark
- The GablesPark
- Tiara ParkPark
- Triandra ParkPark
- Wurrun CommonPark
- Zieria ParkPark
- Playground (7)
- Sports centre
- Basketball courtsSports field
- Mill Park Lakes Number 1 Sportsfield (West)Sports field
- Mill Park Lakes Number 2 Sportsfield (East)Sports field
- Sports field
- Swimming pool (5)
Entertainment(1)
- Melbourne ViewsViewpoint
Transport(18)
17 bus stops · 1 train stations
Other(9)
- Bench (9)
- Garden
- Parking (19)
- Red Gum Picnic AreaParking
- CaltexPetrol station
- Picnic Table (2)
- Proposed
- Public toilets
- Arilla Retirement VillageSocial Facility
65 Gordons Road, South Morang
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
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
Parks & reserves
105 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Allan Avenue ParkPark
- Appleberry Place WalkwayPark
- Arrowgrass WalkwayPark
- Auburn Road Red Gum ReservePark
- Bliss Red Gum ReservePark
- Brolga ParkPark
- Bugle WalkwayPark
- bunjil nganga ParklandPark
- Capri Close WalkwayPark
- Chamonix ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 166
- Parks (OSM)
- 166
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
- Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
- 8
- Nearest hospital
- Mernda Community Hospital (3.2 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
- Emergency department in suburb
- Not in suburb
- Chemist WarehousePharmacy
- Genuine DentalDentist
- Lakes Boulevard Medical CentreThe Lakes BoulevardClinic
- Living Life Sports MedicinePodiatrist
- Mill Park PhysiotherapyDanaher DrivePhysiotherapist
- Optiplex EyecareMcDonalds RoadOptometrist
- Plenty Valley Family DentalDentist
- TerryWhite ChemmartPharmacy
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)
- 720
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 27.0
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
- 24° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 155 mm · ~19 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 20° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 186 mm · ~23 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 14° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 203 mm · ~25 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 18° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 207 mm · ~26 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).
39 planning-related records
2021· 5 proposals
April 2021
- Construction of a dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres. Construction of a dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres.41 Violet VistaPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
February 2021
- Variation of a restrictive covenant. Variation to Restrictive Covenant PS803793J to allow for the construction of a dwelling with a rear setback of 3.24m from the eastern boundary in lieu of the 5.0m setback prescribed by the building envelope and a dispensation of the 5.5m front setback for a garage as prescribed by the Memorandum of Common Provisions AA6245.8 Candle StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Variation to restrictive covenant S213916U. Removal of Restrictive Covenant S213016U on Plan of Subdivision 216065H32 Martin ClosePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Sale and consumption of liquor associated with the existing food and d Sale and consumption of liquor associated with the existing food and drink premises287 The Lakes BoulevardPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
January 2021
- Construction of a pergola associated with an existing dwelling Construction of a pergola associated with an existing dwelling1071 Plenty RoadNo permit required
2020· 34 proposals
December 2020
- Amendment Amendment366 McDonalds RoadPermit issued by the RA
- Subdivision of land160 Gordons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
November 2020
- Multi lot subdivision Multi lot subdivision830 Plenty RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
October 2020
- Construction of two dwellings Construction of two dwellings2 McGlynn AvenueNOD issued by a delegate
September 2020
- Extension to an existing building associated with an education centre. Extension to an existing building associated with an education centre.60 Williamsons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use and development of a service station, removal of native vegetation Use and development of a service station, removal of native vegetation, display of signage and creation of access to a road in a Road Zone, Category 1975 Plenty RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
August 2020
- Amendment Amendment to signage shown on architectural plans460 McDonalds RoadPermit issued by the RA
- Any other applications (eg. Signage) Removal of vegetation within Heritage Overlay10 Bushmans WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Display of signage Display of signage510 Findon RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Creation of Easement21W Kinkora CrescentPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Building and works associated with the construction of a mezzanine lev Building and works associated with the construction of a mezzanine level to an existing warehouse.47/33 Danaher DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
July 2020
- Subdivision of land19 Methven AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Lopping of native vegetation within a Vegetation Protection Overlay. Lopping of native vegetation within a Vegetation Protection Overlay.19A Cuckoo StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
June 2020
- Buildings and works associated with the construction of a veranda Buildings and works associated with the construction of a veranda58/65 Gordons RoadNo permit required
- Construction of a dwelling on a lot less than 300sqm Construction of a dwelling on a lot less than 300sqm14 Woodoak StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Subdivision - change of easement and/o105Y Hunters RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Removal/Pruning of Native Vegetation and Multi Unit (5 or more dwellin Amendment510 Findon RoadPermit issued by the RA
May 2020
- Subdivision of land510 Findon RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Subdivision of land10 Kelvin GrovePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Removal of restrictive covenant Removal of Restrictive Covenant S246894F on Plan of Subdivision 216065H16 Martin ClosePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Removal of native vegetation (one tree) Removal of native vegetation995 Plenty RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2020
- Development Removal of native vegetation associated with a minor utility installation80 McArthurs RoadPermit issued by the RA
- Development Removal of native vegetation25 Hunters RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Subdivision of land135 Williamsons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Ammendment Amendment784 Plenty RoadPermit issued by the RA
March 2020
- Development plus change of use and Native vegetation removal Use and development of a food and drink premises, convenience shop, convenience restaurant, alteration of access to a road in a Road Zone, Category 1.1235 Plenty RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- VicSmart Buildings and works associated with the construction of a mezzanine6/33 Danaher DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
February 2020
- Amendment Amendment to increase the hours of operation368 McDonalds RoadPermit issued by the RA
- VicSmart Removal of native vegetation3 Hanmer DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Amendment1/33 Danaher DrivePermit issued by the RA
January 2020
- Change of use (including car parking) Use of a restricted recreation facility and display of business identification signage32/33 Danaher DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works and Amendment Amendment1235 Plenty RoadPermit issued by the RA
- Removal of native vegetation Lopping of native vegetation246 Gordons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Removal of native vegetation Removal of native vegetation7 Water Pepper CourtPermit 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
Heritage
1 heritage place
- SOUTH MORANG PRIMARY SCHOOLNH1398
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
- Scullin
- Member of Parliament
- Andrew GILES (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 114,926
- Turnout (2025)
- 90.9%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- -1.1 pp toward Coalition
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 35.7%Labor 64.3%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 3.6 km away).
Coalition 36.4%Labor 63.6%
0.7 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +0.1 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- South Morang LakesLabor 64.9% · Coalition 35.1% TPP (2025)1.0 km away
- South Morang CentralLabor 62.4% · Coalition 37.6% TPP (2025)1.1 km away
- South MorangLabor 64.4% · Coalition 35.6% TPP (2025)1.8 km away
- Mill Park NorthLabor 62.3% · Coalition 37.7% TPP (2025)2.3 km away
- Mernda Park (Scullin)Labor 63.9% · Coalition 36.1% TPP (2025)2.7 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)
- 7/10
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
More in Whittlesea Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.