🔍

Pakenham Upper

VIC 3810 • Greater Melbourne

1,196
Population (2021)
$134,836
Median Household Income
32.02 km²
Area
$255/wk
Median Rent
RuralHobby FarmsHills DistrictEquestrianFamily-Friendly

About Pakenham Upper

Pakenham Upper is a rural locality in the Cardinia Shire, located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges about 53 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. With a population of approximately 1,196 across 32 square kilometres, it offers a semi-rural lifestyle on Melbourne's outer fringe. The area sits at around 209 metres elevation with scenic bushland surroundings.

This area attracts families and lifestylers seeking larger properties, hobby farms, and natural surroundings while maintaining access to Melbourne. The community centres around the local hall and riding club, with equestrian activities popular in the region. Residents travel to Pakenham township for shopping and services. The suburb appeals to those who value space, privacy, and a connection to nature over urban convenience.

Pakenham Upper falls under postcode 3810 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pakenham (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📰 Featured In

💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Victoria by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3810
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cardinia
Federal Electorate
La Trobe
State Electorate
Pakenham (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.01°, 145.50°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
32.02 km²
Elevation
209m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$255
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,400
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
44 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Pakenham
8 km
N/A - drive required

Bus Services

  • Limited local bus — Pakenham township 15-20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
53 km
By Train
Drive to Pakenham + 60 min train
By Bus
N/A - not practical
By Car (Peak)
70-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-60 min

🛣️ Car required; Pakenham station 8km for train access to city

Walkability Car-Dependent

Rural area with no local shops; car essential

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Cardinia Local Government Area, which contains Pakenham Upper. 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
1,172
Census 2021
1,196
▲ 2.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$37,076
Personal Income 2021
$45,760
▲ 23.4% 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
$45,760 / yr
$880/wk
Household
$134,836 / yr
$2593/wk
Family
$140,608 / yr
$2704/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 991
Born Overseas 178

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 56
  • 2. New Zealand 15
  • 3. Netherlands 14
  • 4. Germany 7
  • 5. Ireland 7
  • 6. South Africa 7
  • 7. United States 7
  • 8. Scotland 5
  • 9. Sri Lanka 5
  • 10. India 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 483
Australian 450
Irish 152
Scottish 144
German 82
Dutch 63
Italian 51
Indian 20
Chinese 15
Croatian 15

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

730
Both parents born in Australia
263
Both parents born overseas
167
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.1%
Christianity
41.3%
Hinduism
0.9%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
59 (4.9%)
5-14 years
153 (12.8%)
15-19 years
86 (7.2%)
20-24 years
73 (6.1%)
25-34 years
86 (7.2%)
35-44 years
146 (12.2%)
45-54 years
182 (15.2%)
55-64 years
214 (17.9%)
65-74 years
129 (10.8%)
75-84 years
60 (5.0%)
85+ years
14 (1.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pakenham Upper known for? +

Pakenham Upper is a scenic rural locality in the Cardinia Shire foothills, characterised by hobby farms, horse properties, and picturesque farmland on the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. It offers a peaceful rural lifestyle within reasonable reach of Pakenham.

How far is Pakenham Upper from Melbourne? +

Pakenham Upper is approximately 65 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, around a 60-70 minute drive via Princes Highway and local roads. Pakenham station is the nearest rail access point.

Does Pakenham Upper have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Pakenham Upper. Pakenham station (approximately 10-15 km) provides the nearest Pakenham Line train services to Melbourne. A car is essential.

What is the population of Pakenham Upper? +

According to the 2021 Census, Pakenham Upper has a population of approximately 1,196 residents, a small rural community in the Cardinia Shire foothills.

Is Pakenham Upper a good place to live? +

Pakenham Upper suits those seeking hobby farms or rural acreage in the Dandenong Ranges foothills, with the scenic landscape and Pakenham's growing urban services within a reasonable drive.

What is the postcode for Pakenham Upper? +

The postcode for Pakenham Upper is 3810.

What is the average income in Pakenham Upper? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Pakenham Upper is about $880 per week (around $45,800 per year). The median household income is $2,593 per week and the median family income is $2,704 per week.

What is the age profile of Pakenham Upper? +

The median age in Pakenham Upper is 44. The largest age group is 55–64 (214 residents, around 18%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Pakenham Upper a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Pakenham Upper 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 Pakenham Upper? +

In Pakenham Upper, the median weekly rent is $255, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,400 (2021 Census).