Population
+5.8% since 2016.
South Melbourne, VIC
South Melbourne had a population of 11,548 at the 2021 Census (+5.8% since 2016). Median age 39.0. Median weekly household income $2,101. Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. Census 2026 data arrives June 2027.
South Melbourne at a glance
What the 2021 Census says, compared with Victoria.
Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, South Melbourne's population grew by 5.8% to 11,548, slower than Victoria as a whole (+9.7%). With a median age of 39.0, it is older than the VIC average (37.9). Children under 10 make up 8.1% of residents, and people aged 70 and over 10.8%.
55.5% of households rent, a larger share than the VIC average of 28.9%. 19.2% own their home outright. Most homes are flats or apartments (58.8%). The 2021 Census counted 5,547 households.
The median household earns $2,101 a week, above the VIC average of $1,759. Renters pay a median $421 a week, and households with a mortgage repay $2,200 a month.
37.4% of residents were born overseas, more than the VIC average of 31.6%. 25.3% use a language other than English at home. 54.2% report no religion, higher than the VIC average (42.1%).
Key figures
2021 Census, South Melbourne beside VIC and Australia.
| Measure | South Melbourne | VIC | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,548 | 6,503,503 | 25,422,828 |
| Growth since 2016 | +5.8% | +9.7% | +8.6% |
| Median age | 39.0 | 37.9 | 38.2 |
| Households | 5,547 | 2,390,172 | 9,275,123 |
| Flats and apartments | 58.8% | 12.1% | 14.3% |
| Renting | 55.5% | 28.9% | 31.1% |
| Owned outright | 19.2% | 32.6% | 31.4% |
| Median household income a week | $2,101 | $1,759 | $1,747 |
| Median rent a week | $421 | $368 | $376 |
| Median mortgage repayment a month | $2,200 | $1,867 | $1,866 |
| Born overseas | 37.4% | 31.6% | 29.3% |
| Other language at home | 25.3% | 29.1% | 23.6% |
| No religion | 54.2% | 42.1% | 41.9% |
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Population and age
Each census since 2011, and the age profile in 2021.
Age
Median age 39.0, against 37.9 for Victoria.
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Cultural background
The largest groups in South Melbourne at the 2021 Census.
Ancestry
Languages at home
Country of birth
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Around South Melbourne
The places it belongs to, sits beside and contains.
Part of
Nearby
Explore South Melbourne in Censible
Every census figure for South Melbourne, mapped and compared with any other place. A free account takes a minute.