🔍

Emerald

VIC 3782 • Greater Melbourne

5,890
Population (2021)
$110,188
Median Household Income
50.42 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Dandenong RangesTree-ChangeVillage CharacterHeritage RailwayArtistic Community

About Emerald

Emerald is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, 43 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD. With a population of around 5,900, this elevated township at 333 metres offers a cool-climate escape from suburban sprawl. The community has a distinctly alternative, artistic character—established families, creative types, and nature lovers who prize the bushland setting over urban convenience.

Life in Emerald revolves around the natural environment and tight-knit community. The famous Puffing Billy heritage railway passes through, while Emerald Lake Park provides year-round recreation. The village centre features cafes, galleries, and a vibrant Saturday market. Residents accept longer commutes and limited amenities in exchange for tree-change living, cooler summers, and genuine community spirit. The high owner-occupancy rate (90%) reflects long-term residents committed to the hills lifestyle.

Emerald falls under postcode 3782 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3782
Urban Area
Cardinia
LGA / Council
Cardinia
Federal Electorate
La Trobe
State Electorate
Monbulk (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.93°, 145.43°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
50.42 km²
Elevation
333m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$923K
22 sales · ▲ 2.6% 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)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
43 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Belgrave Station
7.5 km
Belgrave Line terminus - then bus 732

Bus Services

  • 732 — Belgrave to Emerald via Gembrook 25 mins from Belgrave

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
43 km
By Train
1h 30m+ (bus to Belgrave then train)
By Bus
3h+ via multiple connections
By Car (Peak)
1h 15m
By Car (Off-Peak)
50 mins

🛣️ No direct train - relies on bus 732 to Belgrave Station

Walkability Car-dependent

Village centre walkable but car essential for most needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    383-385 Belgrave - Gembrook Road Emerald 3782 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
284.4 / 100k
2yr Up 33.2% 10yr Down 46.9%
Motor vehicle theft
277.7 / 100k
2yr Up 91.6% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
193.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 17.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
5.2 / 100k
2yr Up 65.4% 10yr Up 27.1%
Steal from vehicle
860.6 / 100k
2yr Up 108.1% 10yr Up 21.7%
View all offence subgroups for Cardinia →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,778
Census 2021
5,890
▲ 1.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,996
Personal Income 2021
$44,252
▲ 26.4% 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
$44,252 / yr
$851/wk
Household
$110,188 / yr
$2119/wk
Family
$124,748 / yr
$2399/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,712
Born Overseas 971

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 400
  • 2. New Zealand 70
  • 3. Netherlands 61
  • 4. Scotland 44
  • 5. Germany 38
  • 6. United States 20
  • 7. Italy 19
  • 8. South Africa 18
  • 9. Japan 15
  • 10. China 14

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,751
Australian 2,234
Scottish 747
Irish 703
German 297
Dutch 290
Italian 241
Welsh 76
Polish 74
Greek 64

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,351
Both parents born in Australia
1,426
Both parents born overseas
899
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
60.7%
Christianity
32.3%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
300 (5.1%)
5-14 years
790 (13.4%)
15-19 years
375 (6.4%)
20-24 years
333 (5.7%)
25-34 years
522 (8.9%)
35-44 years
750 (12.7%)
45-54 years
909 (15.4%)
55-64 years
816 (13.9%)
65-74 years
692 (11.7%)
75-84 years
302 (5.1%)
85+ years
102 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emerald known for? +

Emerald is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, 43 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD. Life in Emerald revolves around the natural environment and tight-knit community.

How far is Emerald from Melbourne CBD? +

Emerald is approximately 43 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 52-77 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Emerald have public transport? +

Emerald is served by PTV (Public Transport Victoria) bus services and is within reach of the Melbourne Metro rail network. Check ptv.vic.gov.au for current route and timetable information.

What is the population of Emerald? +

According to the 2021 Census, Emerald has a population of approximately 5,890 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Cardinia (Shire) local government area.

Is Emerald a good place to live? +

Emerald offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Emerald? +

The postcode for Emerald, VIC is 3782. This postcode covers Emerald and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Emerald? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Emerald is about $851 per week (around $44,300 per year). The median household income is $2,119 per week and the median family income is $2,399 per week.

What is the median house price in Emerald? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $922,500, up 2.6% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Emerald? +

The median age in Emerald is 43. The largest age group is 45–54 (909 residents, around 15%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Emerald a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Emerald is part of the Cardinia 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 Emerald? +

In Emerald, the median weekly rent is $400, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).