Patterson Lakes (Vic.)

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Based on an assessment of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region, combined with fresh street addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Patterson Lakes has a projected population of approximately 8,026 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 233 people (3.0%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 7,793 residents. The calculation originates from a resident population of 8,005, which Districts estimated after evaluating the ABS's June 2025 ERP release, along with 10 validated new addresses added after the Census date. This population level translates to a density of 1,879 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure recorded across national areas monitored by Districts. Growth in the suburb of Patterson Lakes was largely propelled by overseas arrivals, who accounted for about 69.0% of the overall population gains during the latest periods.

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Patterson Lakes boasts a capable labor pool, with building industries standing out as a major employer, alongside a 5.4% unemployment rate and a 0.5% projected job increase over the previous year, according to Districts compiled data from statistical regions. By March 2026, 4,398 individuals were employed, and the local joblessness figure stood 0.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%, while the proportion of people in the workforce reached 67.6%, slightly trailing Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census data revealed that 28.2% of inhabitants worked remotely, a figure that likely reflects the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the median income of taxpayers in the suburb of Patterson Lakes is $56,937, with an average income of $73,788. These figures exceed the national averages, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimated values would be approximately $62,414 for the median and $80,886 for the average as of March 2026. Census findings place household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Patterson Lakes around the 61st percentile nationwide. Income distributions reveal that 29.9% of the population (2,399 residents) fall into the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the wider region where this group accounts for . After meeting housing costs, residents retain of their income for other living expenses, placing the area in the th decile for the SEIFA income index.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Patterson Lakes consisted of 59.9% detached houses and 40.0% semi-detached properties, townhouses, and units, compared to Melbourne metro's share of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was much higher than the Melbourne metro average, standing at 40.9%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (43.1%) or rented (16.1%). The median monthly mortgage cost was higher than the Melbourne metro average at $2,100, and the median weekly rent stood at $430, compared to Melbourne metro figures of $2,000 and $390. On a national level, mortgage costs in Patterson Lakes are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rental rates are likewise well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 72.2%, consisting of couples with children at 32.8%, couples without children at 28.0%, and single-parent households at 11.1%. The remaining 27.8% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 26.3% and group houses accounting for 1.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The locality presents educational disparities, with university graduation rates of 25.1% falling well below the SA4 regional average of 46.0%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational development. Bachelor degrees represent the most common high-level qualification at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational and technical expertise is highly prevalent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (23.5%).

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Public transport services in Patterson Lakes include 29 active transit stops, comprising a network of bus routes. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes, which combine to support 483 passenger trips each week. Transport connectivity is good, with residents living an average of 238 meters from their nearest transit stop. Being a primarily residential locality, the majority of working residents commute to other districts, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 93% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.6 cars per dwelling, higher than the regional average. A significant 28.2% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Assessments of local health statistics indicate positive outcomes throughout the suburb of Patterson Lakes. Mortality rates and chronic illness indicators are low across both younger and older cohorts, while private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing approximately 56% of the population (~4,492 residents).

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Cultural diversity in Patterson Lakes is higher than in most comparable local markets, with 27.5% of residents born outside Australia and 18.3% using a language other than English in the home. Christianity represents the most common religion, followed by 51.4% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.4% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 46 years in Patterson Lakes is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and the national median of 38. Compared to metropolitan averages, the 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 13.6% locally, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is underrepresented at 7.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 6.4% to 8.4% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 10.7% to 12.2%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 bracket declined from 16.1% to 14.1%, while the 25 - group fell from to . Demographic projections for indicate notable changes for Patterson Lakes. The to cohort is expected to grow by individuals (), moving from to . This demographic aging is distinct, with residents aged + accounting for of the projected growth, while the to and to age brackets are expected to experience contractions.

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Patterson Lakes currently has an estimated 321 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 240 children aged 0-2 and 161 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 291 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 671. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.