Dandenong

VIC 3175 • Greater Melbourne

30,127
Population (2021)
$65,884
Median Household Income
11.34 km²
Area
$319/wk
Median Rent
Multicultural HubRegional CentreAuthentic DiningAffordable

About Dandenong

Dandenong is Melbourne's multicultural crossroads, a diverse regional centre of 30,000 in Greater Dandenong, 29 kilometres southeast of the CBD. Dandenong station serves as a major interchange on the metropolitan network, while the suburb functions as the administrative and commercial hub for one of Australia's most culturally diverse municipalities. The Afghan, Indian, and Sri Lankan communities have transformed the suburb's character.

Little India along Foster Street offers authentic subcontinental dining, while Afghan grocers and restaurants cluster nearby. Dandenong Market provides multicultural shopping, and the revitalised plaza has improved public spaces. The suburb is experiencing slow but genuine renewal, attracting migrants and working families who value cultural community and affordability. Dandenong appeals to those seeking authentic multicultural Melbourne—it's not pretty, but it's real and accessible.

Dandenong falls under postcode 3175 and is governed by Greater Dandenong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Dandenong (South-Eastern Metropolitan) electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Victoria Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3175
Urban Area
Greater Dandenong
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.99°, 145.21°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
11.34 km²
Elevation
34m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Dandenong for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$755K
45 sales · ▲ 6.8% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$440K
125 sales · ▲ 4% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$319
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
33 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.2%

467 state housing + 144 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Melbourne CBD 87-116 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
29 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
45-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-55 min

🛣️ Located 29 km from Melbourne CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Daily errands can often be done on foot near local shopping strips, but a car is useful for larger trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Dandenong Plaza Shopping Centre Cnr Stud Road & Clow Street Dandenong 3175 VIC
  • Woolworths
    1-3 Gladstone Road Dandenong 3175 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Greater Dandenong Local Government Area, which contains Dandenong. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
428.2 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
635.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
489.2 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
11.3 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
1,708.1 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
29,906
Census 2021
30,127
0.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$23,920
Personal Income 2021
$30,992
29.6% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$30,992 / yr
$596/wk
Household
$65,884 / yr
$1267/wk
Family
$73,476 / yr
$1413/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 9,315
Born Overseas 18,230

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Afghanistan 3,464
  • 2. India 2,859
  • 3. Sri Lanka 1,624
  • 4. Pakistan 1,217
  • 5. North Macedonia 808
  • 6. China 751
  • 7. Philippines 552
  • 8. Vietnam 507
  • 9. Iran 381
  • 10. New Zealand 363

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,926
Australian 2,745
Indian 2,389
Chinese 1,422
Sri Lankan 676
Filipino 630
Serbian 620
Vietnamese 618
Irish 584
Italian 551

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,638
Both parents born in Australia
23,242
Both parents born overseas
1,477
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Islam
34.1%
Christianity
25.2%
No Religion
14.0%
Hinduism
7.4%
Buddhism
5.4%
Sikhism
3.6%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
2,132 (7.1%)
5-14 years
3,578 (11.9%)
15-19 years
1,483 (4.9%)
20-24 years
2,243 (7.4%)
25-34 years
6,231 (20.7%)
35-44 years
4,735 (15.7%)
45-54 years
3,188 (10.6%)
55-64 years
2,705 (9.0%)
65-74 years
1,974 (6.6%)
75-84 years
1,243 (4.1%)
85+ years
618 (2.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dandenong known for? +

Dandenong is a well-established residential suburb in Greater Dandenong, VIC, with a population of approximately 30,127 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Dandenong from Melbourne CBD? +

Dandenong is approximately 29 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. The drive typically takes 35-55 min outside peak hours.

Does Dandenong have public transport? +

Dandenong is served by local PTV services connecting to the broader network. Train access is available via nearby stations.

What is the population of Dandenong? +

According to the 2021 Census, Dandenong has a population of approximately 30,127 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Greater Dandenong district.

Is Dandenong a good place to live? +

Dandenong offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $40,468, it attracts a broad demographic mix. Like most VIC suburbs, its appeal depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Dandenong? +

The postcode for Dandenong, VIC is 3175.

What is the average income in Dandenong? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Dandenong is about $596 per week (around $31,000 per year). The median household income is $1,267 per week and the median family income is $1,413 per week.

What is the median house price in Dandenong? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $755,000, up 6.8% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $440,000, up 4% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Dandenong? +

The median age in Dandenong is 33. The largest age group is 25–34 (6,231 residents, around 21%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 13% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Dandenong a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Dandenong is part of the Greater Dandenong LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Dandenong? +

In Dandenong, the median weekly rent is $319, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517 (2021 Census).