🔍

Pakenham

VIC 3810 • Greater Melbourne

54,118
Population (2021)
$86,528
Median Household Income
85.42 km²
Area
$351/wk
Median Rent
Outer SuburbanAffordableSemi-RuralGrowth Corridor

About Pakenham

Pakenham anchors Melbourne's outer southeast, a substantial town of 54,000 located 54 kilometres from the CBD in the Cardinia Shire. As the terminus of the Pakenham train line, it serves as the gateway between suburban Melbourne and the Gippsland region. The area retains hints of its rural heritage while accommodating significant residential growth across new estates spreading towards Officer and Clyde.

The lifestyle here balances suburban convenience with semi-rural spaciousness. Pakenham Marketplace and surrounds provide solid shopping options, while the nearby Cardinia Reservoir and Dandenong Ranges offer weekend escapes. The community attracts families seeking affordable homes with land, tradespeople serving the growth corridor, and those who prefer a slower pace while maintaining city accessibility. It's outer suburban living with room to breathe.

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

📍 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
-38.07°, 145.49°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
85.42 km²
Elevation
38m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$690K
276 sales · ▲ 2.9% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$511K
66 sales · ▲ 2.2% 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)
$351
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
33 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.2%

180 state housing + 47 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited or none — Nearest regional town Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
54 km
By Train
No rail service available
By Car (Peak)
70-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-90 min

🛣️ Located 54 km from Melbourne CBD

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

This is a rural or semi-rural locality where virtually all errands require a private vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Henry Road & McGregor Road Pakenham 3810 VIC
  • Woolworths
    55 Henry Street, Pakenham Market Place Pakenham 3810 VIC
  • ALDI
    1 - 3 Portobello Road, Pakenham VIC 3810

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Cardinia Local Government Area, which contains Pakenham. 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
46,421
Census 2021
54,118
▲ 16.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,320
Personal Income 2021
$40,716
▲ 18.6% 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
$40,716 / yr
$783/wk
Household
$86,528 / yr
$1664/wk
Family
$97,708 / yr
$1879/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 36,444
Born Overseas 15,142

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 3,241
  • 2. England 1,738
  • 3. Sri Lanka 1,080
  • 4. New Zealand 1,054
  • 5. Philippines 666
  • 6. Pakistan 464
  • 7. China 431
  • 8. Myanmar 321
  • 9. Mauritius 315
  • 10. Scotland 279

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 18,112
Australian 17,407
Scottish 4,176
Irish 4,124
Indian 2,836
Italian 1,847
German 1,813
Dutch 1,597
Chinese 1,144
Filipino 924

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

23,693
Both parents born in Australia
20,919
Both parents born overseas
6,716
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
41.7%
Christianity
37.9%
Sikhism
4.1%
Islam
3.6%
Hinduism
3.4%
Buddhism
2.4%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
4,515 (8.3%)
5-14 years
8,515 (15.7%)
15-19 years
3,072 (5.7%)
20-24 years
3,305 (6.1%)
25-34 years
9,533 (17.6%)
35-44 years
8,478 (15.7%)
45-54 years
5,956 (11.0%)
55-64 years
4,330 (8.0%)
65-74 years
3,414 (6.3%)
75-84 years
2,217 (4.1%)
85+ years
787 (1.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pakenham known for? +

Pakenham is a well-established community in Cardinia, VIC, with a population of approximately 54,118 residents. The suburb is valued for its community spirit and natural surroundings.

How far is Pakenham from Melbourne CBD? +

Pakenham is approximately 54 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, typically a 55-90 min drive outside peak hours.

Does Pakenham have public transport? +

Public transport in Pakenham is very limited. There is no rail service and bus options are minimal. A private vehicle is recommended.

What is the population of Pakenham? +

According to the 2021 Census, Pakenham has a population of approximately 54,118 residents.

Is Pakenham a good place to live? +

Pakenham offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $47,529, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Pakenham? +

The postcode for Pakenham, VIC is 3810.

What is the average income in Pakenham? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Pakenham is about $783 per week (around $40,700 per year). The median household income is $1,664 per week and the median family income is $1,879 per week.

What is the median house price in Pakenham? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $690,000, up 2.9% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $511,000, up 2.2% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Pakenham? +

The median age in Pakenham is 33. The largest age group is 25–34 (9,533 residents, around 18%). Around 30% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Pakenham a safe area? +

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

In Pakenham, the median weekly rent is $351, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).