East Melbourne (Vic.)

Detail

According to evaluations of ABS demographic revisions for the wider region, alongside recent address validations performed by Districts after the Census, the suburb of East Melbourne has an estimated population of approximately 5,245 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 349 people (7.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 4,896 people. This shift is determined from the resident count of 5,245, calculated by Districts through analyzing the ABS June 2025 release of ERP data and ongoing post-Census address verification. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 2,819 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of all Australian areas analyzed by Districts. The post-Census population growth of 7.1% in the suburb of East Melbourne is within 2.2 percentage points of the statewide rate of 9.3%, indicating competitive expansion dynamics. Gains in the local population were mostly fueled by overseas migration, which served as virtually the sole source of population increases in recent times.

Detail

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, with professional services representing a major sector, an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.4% over the preceding year, according to Districts calculations of regional statistical data. As of March 2026, there are 3,654 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.5% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and the labor participation rate significantly exceeding the norm (76.0% compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne). Census records indicate that a substantial 54.1% of working residents performed their jobs from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of COVID-19 containment measures.

Detail

According to tax data from the ATO at the postcode level for financial year 2023 compiled by Districts, taxpayers in this locality recorded a median income of $78,074 and an average income of $175,491. These figures place the area in the highest nationwide percentile, comparing to metropolitan averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, contemporary estimates would place these figures at roughly $85,585 for the median and $192,373 for the average as of March 2026. Census indicators show that household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, positioning between the 85th and 97th percentiles nationally. Among local earners, the weekly income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for of residents ( people), which mirrors the broader metropolitan trend where of the population falls into this category. The high proportion of top-tier earners, with of the population receiving weekly incomes above reflects a strong degree of financial capacity in this locality. While high housing costs absorb of household incomes, strong overall earnings keep disposable incomes in the th percentile, and the area's SEIFA economic index ranking is in the th decile.

Detail

Residential property types in the area at the time of the latest Census consisted of 3.2% houses and 96.7% other dwellings, including semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, contrasting with the metropolitan distribution of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was lower than the metropolitan benchmark, standing at 27.5%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (18.3%) or occupied by tenants (54.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,383 was considerably higher than the Greater Melbourne average of $2,000, and the median weekly rent was $480 compared to the metropolitan median of $390. On a national scale, local mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the countrywide figure of $375.

Detail

Family units account for 49.9% of all local households, which includes 9.6% couples with dependent children, 35.5% couples without children, and 3.3% single parent households. The remaining 50.1% of households are non-family arrangements, with single person households representing 43.1% and group houses making up 7.1% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 persons is below the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational profiles in the locality are substantially higher than broader benchmarks, with 67.4% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared to 30.4% nationwide and 33.4% across VIC. This high concentration of qualifications positions the population well for knowledge-intensive roles. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 39.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 21.8% and graduate diplomas at 5.8%. Vocational education accounts for 15.8% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 6.3%.

Detail

Analysis of the local transit network shows 37 active public transport stops operating in the area, offering a combination of lightrail services and buses. These stops accommodate 38 different routes, which support a total of 24,868 passenger trips each week. Transport connection ratings are excellent, with residents living an average of 156 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential character of the locality, the majority of working residents travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 46%, followed by walking at 28% and train travel at 6%. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 0.6, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A high proportion of residents, 54.1%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic-related conditions.

Detail

Health metric evaluations show excellent profiles across the area, according to Districts analysis of mortality statistics and the prevalence of long-term health issues, revealing a low occurrence of common medical conditions across all age bands, alongside an exceptionally high rate of private health insurance held by approximately 96% of the population (5,014 people). This coverage level compares to 56.7% for Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

The local population displays greater cultural diversity than most areas, with 14.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 29.1% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 39.7% of residents. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is observed in Judaism, which accounts for 0.7% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

The median age of 41 years is older than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and higher than the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age group is highly represented at 26.5% of the local population, compared to metropolitan trends, while children aged 5 - 14 years are underrepresented at 3.3%. This concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is also well above the national rate of 14.6%. Following the 2021 Census, younger inhabitants have contributed to lowering the median age by 1.2 years to 41. Specifically, the 25 to 34 cohort expanded from 23.4% to 26.5% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from to . Conversely, the to group contracted from to , and the to group decreased from to . Projections suggest the age structure will change significantly by . The to age bracket is expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach . The cohorts aged and over are projected to drive of total population growth, pointing to a aging trend. Conversely, population contractions are expected within the to and to cohorts.

Detail

East Melbourne currently has an estimated 110 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 66 children aged 0-2 and 44 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 103 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 140. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.