🔍

Emerald

VIC 3782 • Greater Melbourne

5,890
Population (2021)
$44,252
Median Income
50.42 km²
Area
333m
Elevation
Dandenong RangesTree-ChangeVillage CharacterHeritage RailwayArtistic Community

About Emerald

Emerald is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, 43 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD. With a population of around 5,900, this elevated township at 333 metres offers a cool-climate escape from suburban sprawl. The community has a distinctly alternative, artistic character—established families, creative types, and nature lovers who prize the bushland setting over urban convenience.

Life in Emerald revolves around the natural environment and tight-knit community. The famous Puffing Billy heritage railway passes through, while Emerald Lake Park provides year-round recreation. The village centre features cafes, galleries, and a vibrant Saturday market. Residents accept longer commutes and limited amenities in exchange for tree-change living, cooler summers, and genuine community spirit. The high owner-occupancy rate (90%) reflects long-term residents committed to the hills lifestyle.

Emerald falls under postcode 3782 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monbulk (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3782
Urban Area
Cardinia
LGA
Cardinia
Federal Electorate
La Trobe
State Electorate
Monbulk (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.93°, 145.43°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
50.42 km²
Elevation
333m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Belgrave Station
7.5 km
Belgrave Line terminus - then bus 732

Bus Services

  • 732 — Belgrave to Emerald via Gembrook 25 mins from Belgrave

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
43 km
By Train
1h 30m+ (bus to Belgrave then train)
By Bus
3h+ via multiple connections
By Car (Peak)
1h 15m
By Car (Off-Peak)
50 mins

🛣️ No direct train - relies on bus 732 to Belgrave Station

Walkability Car-dependent

Village centre walkable but car essential for most needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    383-385 Belgrave - Gembrook Road Emerald 3782 VIC

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
43 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,778
Census 2021
5,890
▲ 1.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$34,996
Income 2021
$44,252
▲ 26.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,712
Born Overseas 971

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 400
  • 2. New Zealand 70
  • 3. Netherlands 61
  • 4. Scotland 44
  • 5. Germany 38
  • 6. United States 20
  • 7. Italy 19
  • 8. South Africa 18
  • 9. Japan 15
  • 10. China 14
  • 11. Sri Lanka 13
  • 12. Indonesia 12
  • 13. Ireland 12
  • 14. Philippines 12
  • 15. Canada 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,751
Australian 2,234
Scottish 747
Irish 703
German 297
Dutch 290
Italian 241
Welsh 76
Polish 74
Greek 64

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,351
Both parents born in Australia
1,426
Both parents born overseas
899
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
60.7%
Christianity
32.3%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
300 (5.1%)
5-14 years
790 (13.4%)
15-19 years
375 (6.4%)
20-24 years
333 (5.7%)
25-34 years
522 (8.9%)
35-44 years
750 (12.7%)
45-54 years
909 (15.4%)
55-64 years
816 (13.9%)
65-74 years
692 (11.7%)
75-84 years
302 (5.1%)
85+ years
102 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs