North Melbourne (Vic.)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside verified new residential points tracked by Districts since the Census, the suburb of North Melbourne has an estimated population of approximately 18,200 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 3,247 residents (21.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 14,953 individuals. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 18,153, determined by Districts after examining the June 2025 ABS ERP publication, combined with an extra 136 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. Such a population count translates to a density ratio of 7,711 persons per square kilometer, placing the location within the top 10% of national areas analyzed by Districts, highlighting the high demand for local land. The 21.7% expansion rate in the suburb of North Melbourne since the 2021 census outpaced the state figure of 9.3%, as well as the national benchmark, establishing the locality as a regional leader in growth. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this demographic expansion, accounting for approximately of the overall population gains in recent times.

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North Melbourne features a highly credentialed labor force, with strong representation in professional services, a jobless rate of 7.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 4.9% over the past year, according to Districts' analysis of statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 11,787 residents in employment, while the unemployment rate is 2.8% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and workforce participation stands significantly above the standard level (76.6% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). Census returns indicate that a high proportion of residents (44.4%) worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

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Taxpayer statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 show that North Melbourne has an income level exceeding the national average. The median income among taxpayers in the suburb is $51,480, and the average income is $71,468, comparing to Greater Melbourne benchmarks of $57,688 and $75,164. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimated values would be approximately $56,432 (median) and $78,343 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census records, individual income sits at the 72nd percentile ($943 weekly), while household income matches the 48th percentile. Looking at income distributions, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket includes 30.7% of the population (5,587 individuals), which aligns with the metropolitan average of in the same category. Financial pressure from housing is high, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, while its SEIFA income index ranks in the th decile.

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The mix of housing types in North Melbourne at the latest Census consisted of 4.2% standalone houses and 95.8% other housing structures (such as townhouses, units, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Greater Melbourne split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in North Melbourne was lower than the metropolitan average at 13.7%, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (20.5%) or rented (65.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,035 was higher than the Greater Melbourne average of $2,000, whereas the median weekly rent was $381, compared to $390 across the metropolitan area. On a national level, North Melbourne's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families represent the largest household category at 47.7% of the total, which is made up of couples with children (14.4%), couples without children (23.2%), and single parent households (8.1%). Non-family households account for the remaining 52.3% of dwellings, consisting of single-person households at 40.1% and group households at 12.3%. The median household size of 2.0 residents is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The level of education in North Melbourne is significantly higher than broader averages, with 60.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This high concentration of tertiary qualifications positions the local population well for professional services and knowledge-focused careers. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 34.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (21.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational education accounts for 15.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (7.6%).

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An analysis of public transport reveals that there are 56 active transit stops in North Melbourne, comprising a combination of light rail and bus services. These transit stops are serviced by 6 unique routes, which support a total of 8,003 passenger journeys per week. Transport access is classified as excellent, with local residents living an average of 128 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the neighborhood, the majority of commuters travel outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 39%, followed by walking at 24% and train travel at 11%. Car ownership stands at an average of 0.4 vehicles per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A high proportion of residents, 44.4%, worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be a reflection of COVID-19 circumstances.

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Health outcomes in North Melbourne rank above average according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic conditions, with low rates of common health issues observed among both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is high at approximately 55% of the total population (~10,022 individuals).

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North Melbourne displays a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 46.3% born in another country. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 23.9% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Islam, which accounts for 7.9% of local residents compared to 5.6% across Greater Melbourne.

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With a median age of 29, North Melbourne is younger than Greater Melbourne, where the median is 37, and is also below the national median of 38. Compared to the metropolitan area, North Melbourne has a larger share of residents aged 25 - 34 (32.9%) but a smaller proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (5.6%). The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is also far higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since 2021, the median age has fallen by 2.1 years, dropping from 31 down to 29, demonstrating a shift toward a younger demographic. Key changes show the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 18.5% to 22.8% of the population, and the to age group rose from to . Conversely, the to age group shrank from to , and the to group fell from to . Looking ahead to projections suggest significant demographic shifts in the suburb of North Melbourne. The to age bracket is expected to see the largest increase at , adding residents to reach a total of .

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North Melbourne currently has an estimated 564 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 318 children aged 0-2 and 212 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 33% by 2041 (to approximately 752 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 782. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.8 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.