ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
South Melbourne is an outer-metropolitan suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with a population of approximately 11,548, making it a smaller community. Located 2 km from the Melbourne CBD, South Melbourne is a outer metro area in Victoria. The median household income is $109,252 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
South Melbourne benefits from a high-income resident base, supporting premium property pricing. Its proximity to the CBD adds a strong location premium.
Map shows South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for South Melbourne. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 3 schools within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near South Melbourne on My School →Estimated 5 parks and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →South Melbourne's outer-metropolitan position means more affordable entry points for investors, with potential for capital growth as infrastructure extends outward. Demand is often driven by young families seeking space and value. The median rent of $421/week (ABS 2021) indicates a mid-range rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $2,200/month. A median household income of $109,252/year supports premium property values and indicates a well-employed resident base. With only 4% separate houses, South Melbourne has a significant apartment and unit market — typical of inner-city investment corridors.
Holding property in South Melbourne over the medium term may deliver steady, if unspectacular, returns.
Rental yields in South Melbourne are moderate — screen for properties that offer above-average returns.
Older housing stock in South Melbourne combined with strong buyer demand creates solid renovation upside.
Run the numbers on a South Melbourne property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →Growth in South Melbourne through 2026 will likely be steady rather than spectacular, tracking the wider market. Rental demand is expected to be stable, though landlords may need to remain competitive on pricing. Overall, investor sentiment toward South Melbourne is positive, backed by solid fundamentals.
South Melbourne is a outer metro area in Victoria with a population of 11,548. The median rent is $421/week and the median household income is $109,252/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in South Melbourne include affordability relative to inner suburbs and expanding infrastructure. 4% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 3 schools and 5 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, South Melbourne has a population of approximately 11,548. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
South Melbourne is approximately 2 km straight-line distance from the Melbourne CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). This close proximity means excellent access to employment, dining, and entertainment.