🔍

South Melbourne

VIC 3205 • Greater Melbourne

11,548
Population (2021)
$109,252
Median Household Income
2.19 km²
Area
$421/wk
Median Rent
Inner CityMarket DistrictHeritagePremium Living

About South Melbourne

South Melbourne is a prestigious inner suburb just 2 kilometres south of the CBD, blending heritage architecture with contemporary development in Port Phillip. Trams provide excellent connectivity along Clarendon Street, while the South Melbourne Market anchors the community. Victorian terraces sit alongside modern apartments.

The South Melbourne Market defines weekend life—one of Melbourne's best fresh food and dining destinations draws crowds from across the city. The community mixes young professionals, established residents, and families in heritage homes. South Melbourne attracts those seeking inner-city living with genuine neighbourhood character and market-district atmosphere.

South Melbourne falls under postcode 3205 and is governed by Port Phillip Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Albert Park (Southern Metropolitan) electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Victoria Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3205
Urban Area
Port Phillip
LGA / Council
Port Phillip
Federal Electorate
Macnamara
State Electorate
Albert Park (Southern Metropolitan)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.83°, 144.96°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
2.19 km²
Elevation
15m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$1.76M
17 sales · ▲ 8.9% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$588K
82 sales · ▲ 8.9% 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)
$421
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,200
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
11.8%

530 state housing + 127 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Melbourne CBD 6-8 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
2 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
15-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Located 2 km from Melbourne CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Coventry Street South Melbourne 3205 VIC
  • Woolworths
    113 Cecil Street South Melbourne 3205 VIC
  • ALDI
    Market Street 100, South Melbourne VIC 3205

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
726.1 / 100k
2yr Up 25.5% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
729.6 / 100k
2yr Up 83.8% 10yr Up 35.9%
Non-FV assault
565.7 / 100k
2yr Up 13.8% 10yr Up 42.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.1 / 100k
2yr Up 33.7% 10yr Down 26.4%
Steal from vehicle
2,554 / 100k
2yr Up 49.2% 10yr Up 31.7%
View all offence subgroups for Port Phillip →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
10,920
Census 2021
11,548
▲ 5.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$54,548
Personal Income 2021
$67,964
▲ 24.6% 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
$67,964 / yr
$1307/wk
Household
$109,252 / yr
$2101/wk
Family
$159,796 / yr
$3073/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,818
Born Overseas 4,073

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 558
  • 2. New Zealand 311
  • 3. China 304
  • 4. India 196
  • 5. Malaysia 154
  • 6. Greece 130
  • 7. United States 119
  • 8. Italy 96
  • 9. South Africa 90
  • 10. Indonesia 88

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,702
Australian 2,631
Irish 1,425
Scottish 1,123
Chinese 871
Italian 599
Greek 482
German 446
Indian 282
Dutch 170

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,268
Both parents born in Australia
5,089
Both parents born overseas
1,484
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.9%
Christianity
34.0%
Islam
2.6%
Buddhism
2.2%
Hinduism
1.7%
Judaism
1.1%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
482 (4.2%)
5-14 years
853 (7.4%)
15-19 years
384 (3.3%)
20-24 years
636 (5.5%)
25-34 years
2,507 (21.7%)
35-44 years
1,999 (17.3%)
45-54 years
1,653 (14.3%)
55-64 years
1,323 (11.5%)
65-74 years
903 (7.8%)
75-84 years
531 (4.6%)
85+ years
278 (2.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Melbourne known for? +

South Melbourne is a well-established residential suburb in Port Phillip, VIC, with a population of approximately 11,548 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is South Melbourne from Melbourne CBD? +

South Melbourne is approximately 2 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. The drive typically takes 10-15 min outside peak hours.

Does South Melbourne have public transport? +

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

What is the population of South Melbourne? +

According to the 2021 Census, South Melbourne has a population of approximately 11,548 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Port Phillip district.

Is South Melbourne a good place to live? +

South Melbourne offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $64,622, 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 South Melbourne? +

The postcode for South Melbourne, VIC is 3205.

What is the average income in South Melbourne? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in South Melbourne is about $1,307 per week (around $68,000 per year). The median household income is $2,101 per week and the median family income is $3,073 per week.

What is the median house price in South Melbourne? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $1,760,000, up 8.9% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $587,500, up 8.9% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of South Melbourne? +

The median age in South Melbourne is 39. The largest age group is 25–34 (2,507 residents, around 22%). Around 15% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is South Melbourne a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. South Melbourne is part of the Port Phillip 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 South Melbourne? +

In South Melbourne, the median weekly rent is $421, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,200 (2021 Census).