Melbourne isn’t just growing, the latest data shows it’s being reshaped.

According to recently released ABS data (September 2025), Australia’s population reached 27.7 million, growing by 423,600 people (1.6%) over the year. Victoria recorded the largest population increase of any state, adding around 122,000 people (1.7%), ahead of Queensland (~108,000) and New South Wales (~106,000) — reinforcing Melbourne’s role as a primary destination for population growth.

The longer-term story matters even more. According to the Centre for Population, Australia is forecast to reach 28.0 million by 2025–26, while Melbourne is projected to reach around 9.1 million by 2065–66.

Depending on how city boundaries are defined, Melbourne has already overtaken Sydney as Australia’s largest city — while on others, that shift is still projected ahead.

Closer to home, Victoria in Future — the Victorian Government’s official population projections — shows metro Melbourne reaching 8.0 million by 2051, requiring ~1.3 million additional dwellings from 2023.

For property buyers — whether owner occupiers or investors — the opportunity lies in understanding the broader growth trends across the metropolitan area and a range of locations, while also staying ahead of Victoria’s policy development and strategic direction. New policy settings, including the recently announced Mid-Rise Code and the evolving activity centre program, point to just some of the areas where additional housing, investment and opportunities are likely to be supported over time.

Atlas Real Estate helping you position across Melbourne and Victoria’s next phase of growth.

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