Sunbury

VIC 3429 • Greater Melbourne

38,851
Population (2021)
$100,100
Median Household Income
132.22 km²
Area
$361/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralCountry FeelFamily-FriendlyCommuter Town

About Sunbury

Sunbury maintains a distinct semi-rural identity 37 kilometres northwest of Melbourne's CBD, a growing town of nearly 39,000 in the Hume municipality. The recently electrified railway provides metropolitan-quality services to Flinders Street, while the surrounding farmland and the Macedon Ranges create a genuine country atmosphere. Sunbury's history includes hosting one of Australia's first rock festivals in 1972-75.

This is Melbourne's best-kept secret for those seeking country living with city access. The township offers quality shopping, heritage pubs, and a genuine main street atmosphere. The Jacksons Hill and nearby wineries provide weekend destinations, while strong schools serve the growing family population. Sunbury attracts families and professionals seeking space, community, and a slower pace while maintaining practical connectivity to Melbourne. Its median income reflects an increasingly professional demographic.

Sunbury falls under postcode 3429 and is governed by Hume Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Sunbury (Western Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3429
Urban Area
Craigieburn - Sunbury
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.55°, 144.71°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
132.22 km²
Elevation
310m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Melbourne CBD 111-148 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
37 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
45-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-55 min

🛣️ Located 37 km from Melbourne CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Daily errands can often be done on foot near local shopping strips, but a car is useful for larger trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Evans Road & Riddell Road Sunbury 3429 VIC
  • Woolworths
    25-47 Horne Street Sunbury 3429 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
251.6 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
514.6 / 100k
Non-FV assault
287.6 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
2.5 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
1,209.7 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$361
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.2%

123 state housing + 44 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
36,084
Census 2021
38,851
7.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$36,036
Personal Income 2021
$44,408
23.2% 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
$44,408 / yr
$854/wk
Household
$100,100 / yr
$1925/wk
Family
$116,428 / yr
$2239/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 30,788
Born Overseas 6,570

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 1,340
  • 2. India 671
  • 3. New Zealand 647
  • 4. Philippines 334
  • 5. Scotland 231
  • 6. Italy 217
  • 7. Malta 195
  • 8. Germany 183
  • 9. Ireland 156
  • 10. South Africa 152

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 14,714
Australian 14,557
Irish 5,014
Scottish 4,066
Italian 2,653
German 1,533
Maltese 1,482
Indian 855
Dutch 747
Greek 522

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

22,255
Both parents born in Australia
9,676
Both parents born overseas
5,370
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.0%
No Religion
42.7%
Hinduism
1.1%
Buddhism
1.0%
Islam
0.8%
Sikhism
0.7%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
2,334 (6.0%)
5-14 years
5,044 (13.0%)
15-19 years
2,367 (6.1%)
20-24 years
2,345 (6.0%)
25-34 years
5,488 (14.1%)
35-44 years
5,237 (13.5%)
45-54 years
5,292 (13.6%)
55-64 years
4,856 (12.5%)
65-74 years
3,551 (9.1%)
75-84 years
1,682 (4.3%)
85+ years
659 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sunbury known for? +

Sunbury is a well-established residential suburb in Hume, VIC, with a population of approximately 38,851 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Sunbury from Melbourne CBD? +

Sunbury is approximately 37 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. The drive typically takes 35-55 min outside peak hours.

Does Sunbury have public transport? +

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

What is the population of Sunbury? +

According to the 2021 Census, Sunbury has a population of approximately 38,851 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Hume district.

Is Sunbury a good place to live? +

Sunbury offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $52,437, 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 Sunbury? +

The postcode for Sunbury, VIC is 3429.