Merbein (Vic.)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with fresh addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Merbein is calculated to be approximately 2,789 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 19 individuals (0.7%) compared to the 2021 Census count of 2,770 residents. The updated figure is derived from the estimated resident count of 2,789, calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 97 newly confirmed addresses since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 81 individuals per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for potential future expansion. The 0.7% rate of growth in the suburb of Merbein since the 2021 Census was higher than the SA4 region's decline of -1.0%, although overall growth is minor. Population expansion was primarily supported by international arrivals, who accounted for about 63.0% of the population growth during recent times.

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Merbein features a balanced mix of white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and relative employment stability over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,281 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.6% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Tax data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year shows that income levels are below the national average. The median income for tax-paying residents is $41,508, with the average income at $45,717, compared to regional Victorian figures of $50,954 and $62,728. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated current figures are approximately $45,501 for the median and $50,115 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationwide. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 to $2,999, containing 29.4% of residents (819 people), similar to the 30.3% share seen across the region. Although housing costs are modest, leaving residents with 87.1% of their income, total disposable income sits in the 13th percentile nationally.

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At the time of the last Census, residential property types consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.2% alternative options such as townhouses and flats, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% alternative options across regional Victoria. Home ownership stood at 34.8%, which was lower than the regional rate, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (43.1%) or tenants (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,025 was lower than the regional average of $1,430, and the median weekly rent of $210 was also lower than the regional figure of $285. In comparison with national data, local mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national benchmark of $375.

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Family households make up 66.1% of the total, consisting of couples with children at 25.0%, couples without children at 27.5%, and single parent households at 13.0%. Non-family households comprise 33.9%, which includes single person homes at 31.2% and group houses at 2.4%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the regional Victorian average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels show that 10.0% of residents hold a university qualification, which is lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 7.5%, graduate diplomas account for 1.7%, and postgraduate credentials make up 0.8%. Practical and trade qualifications are common, with 41.2% of residents aged 15 and older holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 32.1%.

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Public transport services include 28 active bus stops within the area. These stops are served by 4 distinct routes, which provide 171 passenger trips each week. Transport access is convenient, with residents living an average of 248 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, the majority of working residents travel outside the suburb for work, with private cars being the main transport choice for 94% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. A low 7.3% of workers performed their jobs from home according to the 2021 Census, which was potentially affected by pandemic health measures.

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Health analysis indicates notable challenges, with mortality rates and chronic health issues affecting both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at approximately 45% (about 1,255 people). This compares to 50.5% across regional Victoria and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with citizens making up 88.4% of the population, 93.1% born in Australia, and 96.7% using only English at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 43.2% of residents. The category of Other shows the most notable difference from averages, accounting for 0.6% of the population compared to 0.8% across regional Victoria.

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The median age of 43 matches the regional Victorian average of 43 and is higher than the national median of 38. The age structure features a high proportion of residents aged 85 and over (4.1%), while the 45 to 54 bracket (9.8%) is smaller than the regional average. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket increased from 9.1% to 11.4% of the population, while the 45 to 54 group decreased from 12.5% to 9.8% and the 55 to 64 group declined from 14.6% to 13.5%. Projections to 2041 suggest changes in the age mix, led by a 34% increase in the 35 to 44 age bracket (adding 102 people to reach 401 from 298), while the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to decrease.

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Merbein currently has an estimated 172 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 100 children aged 0-2 and 66 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 205 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 312. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.