Jacana (Vic.)

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Determined from evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Jacana has a population calculated at approximately 2,247 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 60 individuals (2.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,187 people. The shift is derived from the resident population of 2,230, estimated by Districts following analysis of the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 2,042 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national areas evaluated by Districts. Population expansion for the locality was mainly propelled by overseas migration which accounted for approximately 77.0% of total population increases during recent times.

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The suburb of Jacana has a well-educated workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 7.3%, and 2.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,083 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Jacana shows a median taxpayer income of $46,707 and an average of $56,546 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,200 (median) and $61,986 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in the suburb of Jacana all fall between the 12th and 27th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.3% of the community (748 individuals), reflecting patterns seen regional levels where similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within the suburb of Jacana, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within the suburb of Jacana was in line with that of Melbourne metro, at 30.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.2%) or rented (38.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $335, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, the suburb of Jacana's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 69.2% of all households, comprising 29.6% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households comprising 6.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of Jacana trail regional benchmarks, with 27.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (18.0%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 17 active transport stops operating within the suburb of Jacana comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,416 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 156 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 76%, with 14% by train and 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. Some 16.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data reveals substantial challenges facing the suburb of Jacana, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,106 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%.

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The suburb of Jacana scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 48.9% of its population born overseas and 52.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in the suburb of Jacana was found to be Christianity, which makes up 38.3% of people in the suburb of Jacana. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 19.4% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

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The suburb of Jacana's median age of 35 years stands slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 as well as somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 21.9% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.4%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.5% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 6.1% to 5.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for the suburb of Jacana. The to age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by people () from to .

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Jacana currently has an estimated 116 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 95 children aged 0-2 and 62 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 13% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 49% by 2041 (to approximately 173 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 226. Birth rates in the area have averaged 16.5 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.