Belgrave

Belgrave has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Belgrave's estimated population is around 3,926 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 32 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,894 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,906 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 962 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the Belgrave statistical area (Lv2) was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Belgrave (SA2) population expected to reduce by 133 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 130 people.

The level of residential development activity in Belgrave is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Belgrave has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 22 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, new supply appears to be keeping up with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $962,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $44.8 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave has significantly less development activity, 72.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Belgrave has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With approximately 2583 people per dwelling approval, it demonstrates an established market. Given stable or declining population projections, Belgrave should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Belgrave has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No local infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Angliss Hospital Expansion, Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, and Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program.

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

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Employment conditions in Belgrave remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Belgrave has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.8% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

The area's unemployment rate is 0.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's, at 4.7%, while workforce participation is notably higher at 71.8%. Key industries for Belgrave residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, employment in education & training is 1.6 times the regional average. However, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 3.1% employment compared to 5.2% regionally.

Employment levels increased by 0.6% and labour force grew by 0.2% in Belgrave during the year to September 2025, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, with unemployment rising slightly. State-level data from Victoria as of 25-Nov shows employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Belgrave's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Belgrave's median income among taxpayers was $60,426 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $78,144 during the same period. These figures are higher than Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, Belgrave's estimated median income would be approximately $65,411, and its average income would reach around $84,591, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Belgrave's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 74th and 78th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated in Belgrave with 34.9% of residents (1,370 people), similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Notably, 31.3% of Belgrave residents earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income on average, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Belgrave is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Belgrave's dwellings, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belgrave was at 32.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.3% and rented ones at 7.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Belgrave was $401, higher than the national average of $375 but lower than Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Belgrave's mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863.

Belgrave features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 78.6% of all households, including 36.5% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.4%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational achievement in Belgrave places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Belgrave's residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications at 37.3%, compared to the SA3 area's 23.8% and Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is notable with bachelor degrees being the most common at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.9% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (20.9%). Educational participation is high in Belgrave, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary education (10.1%), secondary education (7.6%), and tertiary education (4.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 37 active transport stops operating within Belgrave. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 28 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 4575 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 653 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 123 weekly trips per individual stop.

Belgrave's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Belgrave's health data shows positive results with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 58% (~2,264 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 53.1%.

Mental health issues affect 11.2% of residents, followed by asthma at 8.4%. About 68.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.9% in Greater Melbourne. Belgrave has 15.6% (612 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Belgrave ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Belgrave's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 80.9% born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 26.6%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.4%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (9.7%). Dutch (3.1%) and French (0.9%) were notably overrepresented, while Polish (1.0%) was slightly above regional averages.

Belgrave's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Belgrave as of 2021 was 38 years, similar to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave had a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.1%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 3.2% to 4.8%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 10.5% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 12.6% to 10.1%. By 2041, Belgrave's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 58%, reaching 297 people from 188. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 88% of the population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 25-34 age groups.