This project turns open data into insight, tracking Melbourne’s growth using four clear indicators, such as People, Housing, Jobs, and Access this plan is a sustainable and inclusive future.

Between 2023 and 2043, the city’s population will increase of 229,461 people or 64.7% overall, equivalent to adding an entire mid-sized city within two decades. The annual growth rate of 2.53% makes Melbourne one of the fastest-growing urban cores in Australia.

The line chart here visualizes this steady upward curve and each point representing thousands of new residents and homes.

Melbourne’s population is increase in just two decades. Gender proportions are stable. In 2023, there were 180,304 females and 174,497 males, a difference of 5,807 people. By 2043, the gap widens slightly to 8,014, with females comprising 50.7% of the population. The ratio remains close to 49:51, showing a balanced demographic profile.

This slide highlights the Top 10 areas in Melbourne by dwelling growth rate (2023–2040). Data from the City of Melbourne’s Dwellings Forecasts show that growth is concentrated in a few key inner suburbs.

North Melbourne leads the ranking with an impressive 47.3% increase, adding more than 4,400 new dwellings. This rapid growth is largely driven by the Arden Precinct redevelopment, which will bring new housing, jobs, and transport links through the Metro Tunnel named Arden Station (Bigbuild, 2025 ). West Melbourne (Residential) and Kensington follow with growth rates above 30%, reflecting strong urban renewal along Melbourne’s western corridor.

Meanwhile, Melbourne (CBD) continues to expand (7,360 dwellings, 19.3%), while Southbank and Docklands sustain steady high-density development. Outer areas such as Carlton, South Yarra, and East Melbourne record more moderate growth under 10%, indicating maturity and limited redevelopment potential.

By 2043, employment in Melbourne consolidates around three main clusters: Knowledge, Service, and Industrial sectors.

The data show that Business Services lead the city’s workforce, followed by Finance & Insurance, Healthcare & Social Assistance, and Public Administration. All part of the Knowledge economy. Together, they account for nearly 40% of total employment, driven by Melbourne’s expanding professional base and its role as a national business hub.

Service sectors such as Food & Beverage, Retail Trade, and Accommodation remain vital for daily urban life, providing thousands of jobs across hospitality, tourism, and retail. Meanwhile, Industrial sectors including Transport, Postal & Storage and Utilities are continue modernize but now form a smaller share of the total.

By 2043, the Knowledge Economy dominates, accounting for around 40% of all jobs. Within it, Business Services (15-18%), Finance & Insurance (12-15%), and Healthcare & Social Assistance (10-12%) emerge as the city’s largest employers. These sectors grow rapidly, driven by population expansion, ageing demographics, and Melbourne’s role as a national corporate hub.

The Service Economy follows with around 33% of employment, led by Food & Beverage (8-10%) and Retail Trade (6-8%). Growth here stabilizes after 2035 as markets mature. Meanwhile, Industrial sectors including Transport, Utilities, and Manufacturing. Overall, Melbourne is transitioning from factory factor to office by people, skills, and ideas rather than land or machinery

The interactive line chart reveals these trajectories clearly: clicking a sector highlights its trend while others fade.

Large, warm-toned circles highlight the suburbs growing both in volume and speed. The brightest cluster appears in North Melbourne, West Melbourne, and Kensington, where redevelopment projects such as the Arden Precinct and Metro Tunnel – Arden Station (BigBuild, 2025) are driving rapid transformation. In contrast, established areas like Carlton, East Melbourne, and South Yarra show smaller, cooler-toned circles, signalling limited redevelopment capacity but stable housing stock.

As growth concentrates near the CBD, Melbourne’s housing form is becoming increasingly vertical. Apartments dominate in inner precincts like Southbank and Docklands, while renewal zones such as North and West Melbourne show a mixed transition of mid-rise and townhouse developments. Traditional detached housing remains prevalent only at the city’s edges.

• The 25-39 age group remains dominant (42%), the gender ratio stays near 50:50, and seniors rise modestly, sustaining a strong working base for decades ahead.

• New dwellings cluster around infrastructure: North Melbourne (+47.3%), West Melbourne & Kensington (30-35%), and the CBD,Southbank,Docklands core. Growth follows transit, not distance. A deliberate planning strategy that concentrates density where transport and services already exist.

• By 2043, almost 40% of jobs come from business, finance, health, and public services and signalling Melbourne’s shift to a high-value, idea-driven economy. Service sectors remain vital (33%), while industrial employment continues to decline (13%).

• Apartments now define urban life 60-100% of housing in fast-growing areas. With height comes responsibility: public space, active streets, and quality design matter more than ever.

• High-scoring zones like North Melbourne and Southbank combine strong population growth, diverse jobs, vertical density, and central location. The essential ingredients for Melbourne’s sustainable urban future.

• From data to design, from insight to action, the choices made today will shape the city of 2043.

Data Sources & References (APA 7th):

City of Melbourne. (2023). City of Melbourne Population Forecasts by Small Area 2023–2043 [Dataset]. Melbourne Open Data Portal. https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/explore/dataset/city-of-melbourne-population-forecasts-by-small-area-2020-2040

City of Melbourne. (2023). City of Melbourne Dwellings and Household Forecasts by Small Area 2023–2043 [Dataset]. Melbourne Open Data Portal. https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/explore/dataset/city-of-melbourne-dwellings-and-household-forecasts-by-small-area-2020-2040

City of Melbourne. (2023). City of Melbourne Jobs Forecasts by Small Area 2023–2043 [Dataset]. Melbourne Open Data Portal. https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/explore/dataset/city-of-melbourne-jobs-forecasts-by-small-area-2020-2040

City of Melbourne. (2023). City of Melbourne Floor Space Forecasts by Small Area 2023–2043 [Dataset]. Melbourne Open Data Portal. https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/explore/dataset/city-of-melbourne-floor-space-forecasts-by-small-area-2020-2040

City of Melbourne. (2023). House Prices by Small Area – Sale Year [Dataset]. Melbourne Open Data Portal. https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/explore/dataset/house-prices-by-small-area-sale-year

City of Melbourne. (2023). Small Areas for Census of Land Use and Employment (CLUE) [Dataset]. Melbourne Open Data Portal. https://data.melbourne.vic.gov.au/explore/dataset/small-areas-for-census-of-land-use-and-employment-clue

Metro Tunnel Project. (2025). Arden Station project overview. Victoria State Government – Big Build. https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/stations/arden

RMIT University. (2024). Five Reasons to Study in Melbourne. https://www.rmit.edu.au/school-leaver/discover-articles-for-high-school-students/five-reasons-to-study-in-melbourne