Census 2016: the 20 most densely populated areas of Melbourne

Census 2016: the 20 most densely populated areas of Melbourne
Alastair TaylorJuly 31, 2017

17,506 people per square kilometre.  Melbourne's CBD is now the most densely populated place in Australia, as the data released by ABS last Friday shows.  From 2006 to June 2016, Melbourne's CBD saw 26,224 new residents move in bringing the total population to 41,473.

And to think this was only up to June 2016 - there's a long way to go yet with all the mega towers still under construction or yet to begin construction.

Carlton gets the silver medal and the eastern section of South Yarra (contained within City of Stonnington) gets bronze.

With the exception of Elwood and Seddon-Kingsville, all of the top 20 most densely populated areas of Melbourne have significant development pipelines.  From the enormous towers like Australia 108 on Southbank to the low and mid-rise hotspots like North Melbourne, all areas would be expected to see significant population and density growth by the time the 2021 census rolls around.

Another interesting tidbit that leapt out at me was that in the top 20 list, with the exception of Southbank, north-of-the-river locales have, on balance, seen higher population growth rates.  

Likewise, corridors of density are quite prominent.  From Fitzroy and Collingwood density steps down to Fitzroy North and BRUNSWICK EAST - it's not hard to see why the E-class trams were rolled out in this region.

From Melbourne CBD, density steps down to North Melbourne and then it further steps down to Flemington and Kensington.  Pity the CRAIGIEBURN line commuters because this region is definitely in the firing line.

Although it is outside the top 20, Moonee Ponds (2016 pop: 15,084; 4.4 square km; 3,463.5 people/sq. km; 15% growth 2006-2016) is seeing significant development under construction with a very sizeable pipeline still to come.

The same goes for Footscray.  Again, an outside top 20 (2016 pop: 17,536; 5 square km; 3,530 people/sq. km; 48% growth 2006-2016) has seen large population growth over the previous ten years but given its status of having the same fundamentals as South Yarra - proximity to the city, exceptional public transport links (both existing and future prospects!) as well as a large development pipeline with a lot of large scale projects - it would not be surprising to see Footscray well within the top 20 in 2021.

Even though there are three postcodes and the ABS make them distinct, the Brunswicks - just beyond the parks of the City of Melbourne - are moving on up to the point where in real estate circles people are advised to look at Brunswick if they can't afford Fitzroy/Collingwood - one wonders how long it will be until Coburg becomes to the suburb du jour.

Brunswick West is only just outside the top 20 and it's likely to grow slower than Brunswick and BRUNSWICK EAST yet it's still growing (15%) and is not far off double the density (4,601 people/sq. km) of your established middle ring suburb like Glen Waverley (2,637 people / sq. km).

Other suburban breakaways to keep an eye on will be Box Hill (2991 people / sq. km) and DANDENONG.  

The ABS has the area of DANDENONG as 61.8 square kilometres, which takes in much of its industrial area to the south thus making its population density data look decidedly rural (530 people / sq. km) however the raw population numbers point to respectable, top 20-like, growth.  

In 2006 the DANDENONG SA2 had a population of 23,246 people.  In 2016 it was 32,801 representing a growth rate of 41%.  Here's hoping we might get a 'DANDENONG-Industrial'* classification to get a clearer picture of what's going on in the heart of south-east. 

The Top 20 most densely populated areas of Melbourne

SA2 NamePopulation June 2016Area (sq. km)DensityPopulation growth rate 06-16
Melbourne41,4732.417,506.5172%
Carlton20,5751.811,314.361%
South Yarra - East22,6772.59,008.857%
Fitzroy11,4641.48,319.324%
Prahran-Windsor21,3912.97,362.521%
St Kilda East17,6252.47,302.711%
Collingwood9,1441.37,216.558%
St Kilda28,1413.97,213.828%
North Melbourne22,0863.26,797.461%
Flemington10,6621.66,744.726%
Southbank20,4703.16,658.4107%
ELWOOD16,5092.66,166.514%
Port Melbourne17,3702.86,227.124%
Seddon-Kingsville9,7091.75,778.117%
BRUNSWICK EAST11,7662.25,427.150%
Kensington11,5262.15,368.428%
Richmond32,8486.25,287.427%
Brunswick27,1235.15,274.325%
Fitzroy North13,2112.55,273.614%
Abbotsford8,8421.75,080.195%

*Port Melbourne has two distinct entries, one with 'Industrial' affixed to it - the ABS would also be wise to start referring this area as Fishermans Bend.

Get the data (excel).  For an explainer on what an SA2 is, see the ABS' website.   

Lead image credit: flickr.

Alastair Taylor

Alastair Taylor is a co-founder of Urban.com.au. Now a freelance writer, Alastair focuses on the intersection of public transport, public policy and related impacts on medium and high-density development.

Editor's Picks

Spyre Group brings successful Queensland blueprint to Melbourne with Hampton Ltd
Saxon Street by Milieu to bring new housing and urban design to Brunswick’s cultural core
Construction begins at Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct
Gurner reveals new plans for final Jam Factory stage
Tian An launches North Village, Auburn Square second stage

Related Projects

16-22 Maud Street, Newstead QLD 4006
16-22 Maud Street, Newstead QLD 4006
16-22 Maud Street, Newstead QLD 4006
Price
Contact agent
35-37 Mount Street, Prahran VIC 3181
35-37 Mount Street, Prahran VIC 3181
35-37 Mount Street, Prahran VIC 3181
Price
Contact agent
118-124 Benelong Road, Cremorne NSW 2090
118-124 Benelong Road, Cremorne NSW 2090
118-124 Benelong Road, Cremorne NSW 2090
Price
Contact agent
118-120 Matthew Flinders Drive, Cooee Bay QLD 4703
118-120 Matthew Flinders Drive, Cooee Bay QLD 4703
118-120 Matthew Flinders Drive, Cooee Bay QLD 4703
Price
Contact agent
26-62 Kinross Road, Thornlands QLD 4164
26-62 Kinross Road, Thornlands QLD 4164
26-62 Kinross Road, Thornlands QLD 4164
Price
Contact agent
9-11 Baroonba Street, Whitebridge NSW 2290
9-11 Baroonba Street, Whitebridge NSW 2290
9-11 Baroonba Street, Whitebridge NSW 2290
Price
Contact agent
18 Ransley Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Perle, East Side Quarter, Penrith - 18 Ransley Street, Penrith
18 Ransley Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Price
Contact agent
Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin ACT 2912
Raya, Gungahlin - Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin
Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin ACT 2912
Price
Contact agent
39 Browning Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
39-41 Browning Street, South Brisbane - 39 Browning Street, South Brisbane
39 Browning Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Price
Contact agent
675 Gardeners Road, Mascot NSW 2020
Kiara North, Mascot - 675 Gardeners Road, Mascot
675 Gardeners Road, Mascot NSW 2020
Price
Contact agent
187 Salvado Road, Jolimont WA 6014
Jolie, Jolimont - 187 Salvado Road, Jolimont
187 Salvado Road, Jolimont WA 6014
Price
Contact agent
47 Maning Avenue, Sandy Bay TAS 7005
Grace Residences - 47 Maning Avenue, Sandy Bay
47 Maning Avenue, Sandy Bay TAS 7005
Price
Contact agent
Cove Lane, Narooma NSW 2546
Cove, Narooma - Cove Lane, Narooma
Cove Lane, Narooma NSW 2546
Price
Contact agent
52-56 Ramsay Street, Five Dock NSW 2046
Ava, Five Dock - 52-56 Ramsay Street, Five Dock
52-56 Ramsay Street, Five Dock NSW 2046
Price
Contact agent
2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
The Alfred - 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Price
Contact agent
129-131 Russell Ave, Dolls Point NSW 2219
ALLURE COLLECTION - 129-131 Russell Ave, Dolls Point
129-131 Russell Ave, Dolls Point NSW 2219
Price
Contact agent
62 Constitution Avenue, Parkes ACT 2600
The Eastbourne on Commonwealth Park - 62 Constitution Avenue, Parkes
62 Constitution Avenue, Parkes ACT 2600
Price
Contact agent
155 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Sandpiper, Broadbeach - 155 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
155 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Price
Contact agent
33 Vulture Street, West End QLD 4101
33 Vulture Street, West End QLD 4101
33 Vulture Street, West End QLD 4101
Price
Contact agent
19 Governor Terrace, Murarrie QLD 4172
Park Hill Village Collection, Murarrie - 19 Governor Terrace, Murarrie
19 Governor Terrace, Murarrie QLD 4172
Price
Contact agent
122 Marine Parade, Miami QLD 4220
Nalu, Miami - 122 Marine Parade, Miami
122 Marine Parade, Miami QLD 4220
Price
Contact agent
34 Jacaranda Place, Indooroopilly QLD 4068
34 Jacaranda Place, Indooroopilly QLD 4068
34 Jacaranda Place, Indooroopilly QLD 4068
Price
Contact agent
167 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach QLD 4218
167 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach QLD 4218
167 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Price
Contact agent
21 Queens Way, Yeerongpilly QLD 4105
Yeerongpilly Green - 21 Queens Way, Yeerongpilly
21 Queens Way, Yeerongpilly QLD 4105
Price
Contact agent
445-449 River St, Ballina NSW 2478
Solhaven - 445-449 River St, Ballina
445-449 River St, Ballina NSW 2478
Price
Contact agent
52 Sunset Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
52 Sunset Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
52 Sunset Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Price
Contact agent
6 Jack Brabham Drive, Hurstville NSW
Horizon Hurstville - 6 Jack Brabham Drive, Hurstville
6 Jack Brabham Drive, Hurstville NSW
Price
Contact agent
49 Seena Drive, Edgeworth NSW 2285
49 Seena Drive, Edgeworth NSW 2285
49 Seena Drive, Edgeworth NSW 2285
Price
Contact agent
Lot 118 Ocean Steamers Road, Port Adelaide SA 5015
Lot 118 Ocean Steamers Road, Port Adelaide SA 5015
Lot 118 Ocean Steamers Road, Port Adelaide SA 5015
Price
Contact agent
203 Ashmore Road, Benowa QLD 4217
203 Ashmore Road, Benowa QLD 4217
203 Ashmore Road, Benowa QLD 4217
Price
Contact agent
41 Warrs Road & 7 Horizon Drive, Maribyrnong VIC 3032
41 Warrs Road & 7 Horizon Drive, Maribyrnong VIC 3032
41 Warrs Road & 7 Horizon Drive, Maribyrnong VIC 3032
Price
Contact agent
774 Ripley Road, Ripley QLD 4306
774 Ripley Road, Ripley QLD 4306
774 Ripley Road, Ripley QLD 4306
Price
Contact agent
6 Homelea Court, Rivervale WA 6103
6 Homelea Court, Rivervale WA 6103
6 Homelea Court, Rivervale WA 6103
Price
Contact agent
7002 Ripley Road, Ripley QLD 4306
7002 Ripley Road, Ripley QLD 4306
7002 Ripley Road, Ripley QLD 4306
Price
Contact agent
136-148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076
136-148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076
136-148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076
Price
Contact agent
3 Delos Way, Sorrento WA 6020
3 Delos Way, Sorrento WA 6020
3 Delos Way, Sorrento WA 6020
Price
Contact agent
77 Sutton Street, Redcliffe QLD 4020
77 Sutton Street, Redcliffe QLD 4020
77 Sutton Street, Redcliffe QLD 4020
Price
Contact agent
119 Queen Street & 86 King Street, Bendigo VIC 3550
119 Queen Street & 86 King Street, Bendigo VIC 3550
119 Queen Street & 86 King Street, Bendigo VIC 3550
Price
Contact agent
181 Prospect Road, Prospect SA 5082
181 Prospect Road, Prospect SA 5082
181 Prospect Road, Prospect SA 5082
Price
Contact agent
593-595 Albany Highway, Victoria Park WA 6100
593-595 Albany Highway, Victoria Park WA 6100
593-595 Albany Highway, Victoria Park WA 6100
Price
Contact agent
1-28, 40 Civic Way, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
1-28, 40 Civic Way, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
1-28, 40 Civic Way, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
Price
Contact agent
93-97 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186
93-97 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186
93-97 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186
Price
Contact agent
22-38 & 27-31 The Avenue, Coburg VIC 3058
22-38 & 27-31 The Avenue, Coburg VIC 3058
22-38 & 27-31 The Avenue, Coburg VIC 3058
Price
Contact agent
1F Ashline Street, Wollert VIC 3750
1F Ashline Street, Wollert VIC 3750
1F Ashline Street, Wollert VIC 3750
Price
Contact agent
Lots 100 & 900 Kentucky Court, Cockburn Central WA 6164
Lots 100 & 900 Kentucky Court, Cockburn Central WA 6164
Lots 100 & 900 Kentucky Court, Cockburn Central WA 6164
Price
Contact agent
1260-1272 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144
1260-1272 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144
1260-1272 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144
Price
Contact agent
472 Regency Road, Prospect SA 5082
472 Regency Road, Prospect SA 5082
472 Regency Road, Prospect SA 5082
Price
Contact agent
273A Gorge Road, Paradise SA 5075
273 Gorge Road, Paradise SA 5075 - 273A Gorge Road, Paradise
273A Gorge Road, Paradise SA 5075
Price
Contact agent
270 The Esplanade, Miami QLD 4220
270 The Esplanade, Miami QLD 4220
270 The Esplanade, Miami QLD 4220
Price
Contact agent
2 & 6 Austral Parade, East Bunbury WA 6230
2 & 6 Austral Parade, East Bunbury WA 6230
2 & 6 Austral Parade, East Bunbury WA 6230
Price
Contact agent