🔍

Melba

ACT 2615 • Australian Capital Territory

3,383
Population (2021)
$120,952
Median Household Income
2.31 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyBelconnenEstablishedSchoolsAffordable

About Melba

Melba is a family-friendly suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, named after the legendary Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. Located at the foot of Mount Rogers and 12 kilometres northwest of the city centre, it's home to around 3,400 residents. The suburb was developed in the 1970s as part of Canberra's planned expansion and features typical Canberra streetscapes with established trees and generous block sizes.

Life in Melba centres on family and convenience. The suburb offers three levels of schooling including Melba Copland Secondary School, making it practical for families with children of all ages. A local shopping centre with 7-Eleven petrol station provides daily essentials, while Westfield Belconnen is just minutes away for major shopping. Melba attracts young families seeking affordable entry into the Canberra market and investors looking for solid rental returns. The community values its quiet, established character and excellent parks.

Melba falls under postcode 2615 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ginninderra electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Australian Capital Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2615
Urban Area
Belconnen
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Fenner
State Electorate
Ginninderra
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.21°, 149.05°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
2.31 km²
Elevation
592m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,100
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.3%

76 state housing + 12 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local routes — Belconnen Town Centre 10-15 min
  • R2, R3, R4 — City Centre (from Belconnen) 20-25 min

Commute to Canberra City

Distance
12 km
By Bus
30-40 min
By Car (Peak)
20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15 min

🛣️ Bus to Belconnen Interchange then rapid services (R2, R3, R4) to City. Light rail Stage 2B to Belconnen in planning.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Local shops and schools walkable; Westfield Belconnen accessible by bus or short drive.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,147
Census 2021
3,383
▲ 7.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$48,620
Personal Income 2021
$58,136
▲ 19.6% 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
$58,136 / yr
$1118/wk
Household
$120,952 / yr
$2326/wk
Family
$143,884 / yr
$2767/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,558
Born Overseas 718

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 103
  • 2. China 56
  • 3. India 44
  • 4. New Zealand 43
  • 5. Germany 26
  • 6. Philippines 25
  • 7. United States 23
  • 8. Chile 19
  • 9. South Africa 19
  • 10. Sri Lanka 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,307
English 1,197
Irish 443
Scottish 375
German 169
Chinese 128
Italian 94
Australian Aboriginal 78
Dutch 70
Greek 58

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,788
Both parents born in Australia
953
Both parents born overseas
517
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.6%
Christianity
42.8%
Islam
2.4%
Buddhism
1.8%
Hinduism
1.3%
Sikhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
241 (7.1%)
5-14 years
509 (15.0%)
15-19 years
185 (5.5%)
20-24 years
187 (5.5%)
25-34 years
383 (11.3%)
35-44 years
502 (14.8%)
45-54 years
457 (13.5%)
55-64 years
346 (10.2%)
65-74 years
325 (9.6%)
75-84 years
215 (6.4%)
85+ years
35 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melba known for? +

Melba is a family-friendly suburb in Canberra's Belconnen district, named after the legendary Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba.

How far is Melba from Canberra CBD (Civic)? +

Melba is approximately 12 kilometres from Canberra CBD (Civic). The drive takes approximately 20 min in peak hour and 15 min off-peak.

Does Melba have public transport? +

Bus services include Local routes, running to Belconnen Town Centre in approximately 10-15 min.

What is the population of Melba? +

According to the 2021 Census, Melba has a population of 3,383 residents. The suburb is part of the broader Australian Capital Territory metropolitan area.

Is Melba a good place to live? +

Melba is well-suited to families, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle in Canberra. The suburb offers three levels of schooling including Melba Copland Secondary School, making it practical for families with children of all ages.

What is the postcode for Melba? +

The postcode for Melba is 2615. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

What is the average income in Melba? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Melba is about $1,118 per week (around $58,100 per year). The median household income is $2,326 per week and the median family income is $2,767 per week.

What is the age profile of Melba? +

The median age in Melba is 38. The largest age group is 5–14 (509 residents, around 15%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Melba? +

In Melba, the median weekly rent is $400, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,100 (2021 Census).