Melbourne is Australia's fastest growing major city
Melbourne’s population has expanded rapidly over the past decade, reflecting the city’s strong economic opportunities and high quality of life.
As a diverse and globally-connected city, Melbourne attracts talent from across Australia and around the world, supporting a dynamic workforce and vibrant consumer market.
Melbourne demographic fun facts!
- Melbourne is Australia fastest growing city.
- Melbourne is a relatively young society, with the median age of 37.
- Melbourne is a well-educated and multicultural society.
- The average number of children per family is 1.8.
- The average number of people per household is 2.6.
- Median weekly household income is $1,901.
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Whether you're looking for information on your target audience or staff recruitment, the most up-to-date data is available at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The ABS regularly releases data on population demographics, such as
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Australian Defence Force service
- Cultural diversity
- Dwellings
- Education
- Families
- Health
- Housing
- Income and work
- People and population
- Unpaid work and care.
Visit the ABS website and navigate to the Census section or use its data search tool to find the latest demographic data.
Sources
2021 Census All Persons Quick Stats as at 29 April 2024
FAQs
Greater Melbourne is one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing metropolitan markets, with a population of around 5 million people and continuing strong annual growth. This large and expanding population supports demand across retail, services, healthcare, education and technology sectors.
Melbourne also sits within Victoria’s broader market of more than 6.9 million residents, giving businesses access to a sizeable statewide customer base.
For investors, this scale provides immediate access to a diverse and growing consumer and business market.
Greater Melbourne has a young, skilled and diverse population, with a median age of 37 and strong levels of education and workforce participation.
Key demographic features that support business growth include:
- Multicultural population, supporting demand for global products and services
- Strong household incomes, with median weekly household income around $1,901
- Average household size of 2.6 people, indicating stable family-based consumption patterns.
These characteristics contribute to a dynamic market with demand across consumer goods, financial services, technology and lifestyle sectors.
Melbourne has experienced one of the largest population increases among Australian cities, adding over 140,000 people in a single year, the largest numeric increase nationally.
Looking ahead, official projections indicate:
- Victoria’s population is expected to reach around 10.3 million by 2051
- Greater Melbourne could grow to more than 8 million people by 2051.
This sustained population growth is expected to drive long-term demand for housing, infrastructure, consumer goods, services and commercial investment.
