Melton has emerged as one of Victoria’s homelessness hotspots, with data showing the outer-west growth corridor recording some of the highest demand for crisis support in the state as housing pressures intensify.
The Council to Homeless Persons’ Victoria (CHP) Homelessness Heatmap reveals 4040 people in Melton sought help from specialist homelessness services in 2024-25, making it the fifth-highest local government area in Victoria for demand.
The figure represents a 9 per cent increase from the previous year, where 3718 people reportedly required assistance, according to the CHP.
Across Victoria, 105,125 people sought help from homelessness services in 2024-25, a 2.9 per cent rise overall.
However, that statewide average masks far sharper increases in individual communities, particularly in outer suburban growth areas and regional centres.
Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Deborah Di Natale said the heatmap showed the housing crisis was hitting communities that were once seen as affordable alternatives.
“These are communities where families moved for affordable housing, only to find themselves priced out and with nowhere to turn,” Ms Di Natale said.
“Services that were already stretched are now at breaking point.”
The data highlights a growing mismatch between population growth and social housing supply.
In Melton, 7.2 per cent of all households are estimated to need social housing, equating to at least 4100 additional social homes now, rising to around 6200 by 2041.
To meet current and future demand, between 300 and 400 new social homes would need to be built in Melton each year.
While Melton ranks among the highest in total numbers, Moorabool recorded one of the fastest growth rates.
In 2024-25, 464 people in Moorabool sought homelessness support, a 26 per cent increase from the previous year, making it the fourth-highest rate of growth among Victoria’s 79 LGAs.
Ms Di Natale said the figures reinforced calls for urgent investment in both homelessness services and social housing construction across growth areas.
“This crisis isn’t confined to the CBD,” she said.
“It’s right here in our outer suburbs, and communities like Melton need urgent action now.”
Housing Minister Harriet Shing was contacted for comment.
