Somerville (Vic.)

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According to ABS demographic updates and post-Census address verification by Districts, the suburb of Somerville (Vic.) has a population of approximately 12,251 as of May 2026. Since the 2021 Census, when the population was 11,767, the resident count has grown by 484 individuals, or 4.1%. This latest figure is derived from June 2025 ABS estimated resident population data alongside 96 post-Census address validations. The suburb of Somerville (Vic.) has a density of 317 persons per square kilometer, indicating low-density living and capacity for expansion. This 4.1% increase exceeds the 2.0% growth seen in the broader SA3 and SA4 territories, establishing the suburb of Somerville (Vic.) as a regional growth leader. Natural increase accounted for roughly 52.0% of these population additions during the recent timeframe.

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Somerville has a workforce characterized by strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 2.9%, and a 0.9% rise in jobs over the past year. Employed residents numbered 6,568 as of March 2026, with unemployment sitting 1.8 percentage points below the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%, while participation is lower at 67.6% compared to the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census data indicates that 19.0% of local workers operated from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in Somerville are slightly above the national average, with a median of $53,152 and an average of $68,750, which compares to Greater Melbourne averages of $57,688 and $75,164. Adjusting these figures for a WPI growth of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of $58,265 for the median and $75,364 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census places local personal, household, and family incomes around the 51st percentile nationwide. The most common weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, which contains 34.9% of the population (4,275 people), similar to the 32.8% distribution in the wider metropolitan area. Discretionary income stands at after housing costs, and the area ranks in the th decile of the SEIFA index.

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At the time of the latest Census, the local housing stock consisted of 82.4% detached houses and 17.6% other dwelling types, such as apartments and townhouses, compared to a metropolitan distribution of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Outright home ownership stands at 33.7%, which is higher than the Melbourne average, while the remaining properties are either mortgaged (49.6%) or occupied by tenants (16.6%). The median mortgage payment of $1,800 per month and median rent of $380 per week both sit below the metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390. On a national level, monthly mortgage commitments are below the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rental costs exceed the national average of $375.

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Families make up 74.8% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 34.8%, couples without children at 27.3%, and single-parent households at 11.8%. Non-family households account for 25.2% of the total, with lone person households representing 23.5% and group living situations making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.6 residents, matching the metropolitan average.

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The suburb has a low rate of tertiary qualification, with university degree holders making up 17.8% of the population compared to 37.0% across Greater Melbourne. Bachelor degrees account for 12.5% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational training is highly prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding credentials, including 12.6% with advanced diplomas and 30.3% holding certificates.

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The local transit network features 25 active bus stops serviced by 3 distinct routes, which support a total of 432 passenger trips each week. Access is moderate, with residents living an average of 519 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is primarily commuter-oriented, with 95% of workers using private vehicles. Household car ownership stands at 1.8 vehicles, which is higher than the metropolitan average. The 2021 Census recorded 19.0% of the workforce working from home, reflecting pandemic conditions.

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Analysis of mortality rates and chronic health issues reveals notable health challenges in the community, with medical conditions widely reported, particularly among senior residents, while 54% of the population (~6,616 people) hold private health insurance, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne.

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Cultural diversity is below average, with Australian-born residents making up 84.3% of the community, citizens accounting for 92.0%, and English-only speakers comprising 96.2% of households. Christianity is the primary religion at 42.0%. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is among those identifying as Jewish, who make up 0.1% of the population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age is 40, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is overrepresented at 11.1% of the population, while the 25 - 34 bracket is underrepresented at 12.1%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 5.8% to 7.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 12.3% to 10.9% and the 25 - 34 group fell from 13.3% to 12.1%. Projections to 2041 indicate that the 75 to cohort will increase by people (), growing from to . Overall growth will be driven predominantly by residents aged and over, who are expected to account for of the total population increase, while the to and to cohorts are projected to shrink.

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Somerville currently has an estimated 784 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 417 children aged 0-2 and 278 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 717 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,151. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.