Sunshine North (Vic.)

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According to data from the ABS and fresh address verification by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Sunshine North has a population of approximately 13,044 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 997 people (8.3%) from the 12,047 individuals documented in the 2021 Census. The calculation is based on an estimated resident population of 12,751 derived from ABS ERP details from June 2025, combined with 694 validated new addresses added after the Census. The suburb of Sunshine North displays a density of 1,626 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure for locations analyzed nationally. The 8.3% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA3 region's 2.1%, making the suburb of Sunshine North a local growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this demographic expansion, accounting for approximately 89.0% of the total population gains in recent times.

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The local workforce is characterized by strong representation in industrial and manufacturing sectors, an unemployment rate of 7.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.5% over the past year, as aggregated from regional statistical data. In March 2026, there were 6,135 employed residents. The unemployment rate sits 2.7% above the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%, while participation in the workforce is lower at 61.6% compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census records show that a modest 17.5% of working residents performed their jobs from home, although this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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Postcode data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year shows taxpayers had a median income of $41,781 and an average income of $48,398. These figures sit below the national benchmarks and compare to median and average levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Adjusted for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $45,800 for the median and $53,054 for the average. Census data places local individual incomes at the 6th percentile with a weekly figure of $546, while household incomes perform relatively better at the 28th percentile. Looking at income distribution, 30.6% of taxpayers (3,991 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings bracket, mirroring the surrounding region where of the population are in the same range. Housing affordability presents a significant challenge, with residents retaining only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing stock consisted of 82.5% separate houses and 17.5% alternative dwelling types like semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to a split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings in metro Melbourne. Home ownership was notably higher than the metro average at 39.5%, while the remaining properties were split between those with a mortgage (29.8%) and rentals (30.7%). The median monthly mortgage cost was $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $341, both of which are lower than the metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390. Nationally, these housing costs are lower than the Australian averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rent.

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Families make up the majority of households at 72.4%, consisting of couples with children at 34.6%, couples without children at 18.5%, and single parent households at 17.2%. The remaining 27.6% consists of non-family households, with single person households accounting for 22.2% and group households making up 5.4%. The median household occupancy of 2.9 individuals is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The local population presents lower rates of tertiary qualifications, with university graduation rates at 24.3% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This scenario provides an opportunity for targeted local education initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational training is held by 23.7% of residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificate qualifications at 15.0%.

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An analysis of public transport reveals 43 active bus stops operating in the area. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, which accommodate 1,559 passenger journeys each week. Accessibility is good, with homes situated an average of 281 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with cars being the primary mode of travel at 84%, followed by trains at 9%. Dwellings have an average of 1.4 vehicles. About 17.5% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health profiles in the area are above average based on analysis of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with typical rates of common illnesses across youth and older cohorts. However, the rate of private health insurance is low at approximately 46% of the population (~6,010 people), compared to averages of 56.7% for Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally.

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The suburb displays very high levels of cultural diversity, with 57.9% of residents born outside Australia and 74.6% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 42.1% of the population. The most prominent religious deviation is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 23.0% of residents, far exceeding the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.2%.

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With a median age of 37, the population matches the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is close to the national figure of 38 years. The 55 - 64 age bracket is well represented at 12.4% compared to Melbourne, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 13.9%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 12.8% to 13.9% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 10.9% to 10.2%. By 2041, projections suggest notable changes in the age profile, led by a 38% increase (620 people) in the 55 to 64 age group, growing from to . In contrast, the to group is projected to rise by a modest ( people).

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Sunshine North currently has an estimated 704 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 421 children aged 0-2 and 280 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 1% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 751 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,060. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.5 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.