Aberfeldie

An assessment of population growth drivers in Aberfeldie reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Aberfeldie's population is estimated at around 4,353 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 428 people (10.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,925 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,232 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,755 persons per square kilometer, placing Aberfeldie in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 10.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with Aberfeldie expected to expand by 640 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Aberfeldie recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Aberfeldie shows approximately 37 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 188 homes were approved, with a further seven approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.2 new residents per year are associated with each new home over these five years.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new dwellings under development is $1,178,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $165,000, reflecting minimal commercial development activity in the area. Current building activity comprises 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% townhouses or apartments.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This trend represents a notable departure from Aberfeldie's existing housing stock, which is currently 67.0% houses. With approximately 191 people per dwelling approval, Aberfeldie exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 476 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Aberfeldie has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Three projects identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area are LUMA Sunshine North, Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation, Buckley Street Level Crossing Removal, and 191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development. These are considered key projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis places Aberfeldie well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Aberfeldie has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3%. As of September 2025, there are 2,570 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is at 73.1%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 39.3% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and professional & technical services.

Manufacturing shows lower representation at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 7.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, labour force by 5.1%, leading to a slight decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Aberfeldie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Aberfeldie has one of the highest income levels nationally, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. In Aberfeldie, the median income among taxpayers was $66,437, with an average income of $104,668. For Greater Melbourne, these figures were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,918 (median) and $113,303 (average). Census data shows that Aberfeldie's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 82nd and 91st percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Aberfeldie comprises 31.1% of residents earning over $4,000 weekly, compared to the regional pattern where earnings of $1,500 - $2,999 dominate at 32.8%. Notably, 43.2% of Aberfeldie's residents earn over $3,000 per week, indicating significant affluence and supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Aberfeldie displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Aberfeldie, as per the latest Census, dwelling structures comprised 66.9% houses and 33.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Aberfeldie stood at 40.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Aberfeldie was $440, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Aberfeldie's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Aberfeldie features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.1% of all households, including 43.5% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Aberfeldie shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Aberfeldie is notably high, with 41.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This figure exceeds both national (30.4%) and Victorian (33.4%) averages. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas accounting for 9.7% and certificates for 15.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in secondary education, 8.8% in primary education, and 8.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating in Aberfeldie, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by six individual routes, collectively providing 2,324 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 189 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 6% using train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average.

A high 39.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 332 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 116 weekly trips per individual stop.

Aberfeldie's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment of Aberfeldie's health outcomes shows low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. The most prevalent conditions were asthma (7.2%) and arthritis (5.8%). A total of 75.7% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 68%, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.7% residents aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors ranked high nationally.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Aberfeldie was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Aberfeldie's cultural diversity is above average, with 19.0% of its population born overseas and 21.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Aberfeldie, comprising 64.7%, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (19.4%), English (18.2%), and Italian (13.9%), with Italian being significantly higher than the regional average of 5.2%.

Notable disparities exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups, such as Croatian at 2.1% (regional: 0.7%), Polish at 1.5% (regional: 0.8%), and Maltese at 2.6% (regional: 1.1%).

Aberfeldie's median age exceeds the national pattern

Aberfeldie's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Aberfeldie has a notably higher proportion of the 55-64 cohort (16.1% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.6%). Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 3.6% to 5.0%, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 12.5% to 11.0% and the 45-54 group fell from 16.8% to 15.5%. By 2041, Aberfeldie's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 55-64 cohort is expected to grow by 26%, adding 180 residents to reach 881. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.