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, as of May 2026, Belgrave's estimated population is around 3,862. This reflects a decrease of 32 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,894. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,862 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 946 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth primarily drove population growth for the suburb, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to this methodology, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with Belgrave's population expected to reduce by 107 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 110 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Belgrave has experienced approximately 4 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around 21 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY26 to date. This rate suggests new supply has likely been meeting demand, offering good choice for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $962,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. In FY26, Belgrave has seen $44.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave has significantly less development activity, 73.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This is also below national averages, suggesting possible planning constraints. All new construction in Belgrave has been detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space.

With an estimated 3902 people per dwelling approval, Belgrave's development environment is quiet and low activity. Population projections indicating stability or decline should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects comprise Angliss Hospital Expansion, Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, and Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Belgrave has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.0% and there was an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, Belgrave had 2,164 residents in work with an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is 0.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was fairly standard at 72.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A high proportion of residents, 36.1%, were found to work from home based on Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among Belgrave residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a notably high concentration in education & training with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 3.1% employment compared to 5.2% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% and labour force increased by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, can provide further insight into potential future demand within Belgrave. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Belgrave's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Belgrave had an income level well above the national average according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Belgrave was $60,426 and the average income stood at $78,144. These figures compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 respectively. Using the Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Belgrave as of March 2026 would be approximately $66,239 (median) and $85,661 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Belgrave ranked highly nationally, between the 74th and 78th percentiles. The data showed that the majority of residents, 34.9% or 1,347 people, fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Notably, 31.3% of Belgrave's residents earned above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 86.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power in the area. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Belgrave is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Belgrave's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belgrave was at 32.1%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.3% and rented ones at 7.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Belgrave was $1,863, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Belgrave was $401, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Belgrave's mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, but rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Belgrave features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average 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, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Belgrave's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 37.3% have university qualifications, compared to 23.8% in the SA3 area and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.9% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.0% and certificates for 20.9%.

Educational participation is 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 36 active transport stops operating in Belgrave. These are served by 28 different routes, providing a total of 4575 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards; car remains the dominant mode at 88%, while train accounts for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 36.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 653 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 127 weekly trips per 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, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

The prevalence of common health issues is low across all age groups. Private health cover is high, with approximately 58% (~2,227 people) of Belgrave residents having it. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.2% and 8.4% respectively. Around 68.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Belgrave has 16.2% (625 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Seniors' health outcomes are strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Belgrave's cultural diversity is below average, with 80.9% born in Australia, 91.1% citizens, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominates Belgrave at 26.6%, compared to Judaism's 0.2%, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. Top ancestry groups are English (30.4%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Dutch (3.1%) and French (0.9%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 0.5%, respectively, while Polish is slightly higher at 1.0%.

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

The median age in Belgrave was close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years at 38 years during a certain period. This figure is also equivalent to Australia's median age. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave had a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54, with 14.7% versus the city's average. However, Belgrave had fewer residents aged 25-34 at 10.3%. Between the 2021 Census and a later date, the population of those aged 75 to 84 grew from 3.2% to 5.2%, while the 15 to 24 age group increased from 10.5% to 11.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 decreased from 12.6% to 10.3%. By a certain year in the future, Belgrave is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic change, the number of people aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 44%, reaching 289 from 200. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 81% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, declines in population are anticipated for the 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 age groups.