Belgrave

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

As of Feb 2026, Belgrave's estimated population is around 3,929, showing an increase of 35 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,894. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 3,906 residents in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data release and validation of 9 new addresses post-Census. The population density ratio is approximately 963 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed about 53.0% of overall population gains in recent periods. Belgrave's population projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using a 2022 base year for each SA2 area, with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by this data.

By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 130 persons overall, while specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow by 138 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 using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Belgrave has seen approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 21 homes have been approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline, new supply appears to be meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers.

The average expected construction cost of new properties is $962,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, Belgrave has recorded $44.8 million in approvals this financial year, suggesting strong momentum. However, compared to Greater Melbourne and nationally, Belgrave has significantly less development activity, at 73.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, 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 appealing to those seeking space.

With approximately 3872 people per dwelling approval, it indicates an established market. Given population projections showing stability or decline, Belgrave is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact the area's performance. Key initiatives include Angliss Hospital Expansion, Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program (1985-ongoing), South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades (2006-present), and Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program (2004-present).

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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. The unemployment rate is 5.0%, and there was a 1.5% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data). As of December 2025, Belgrave has 2,188 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.2%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

The workforce participation rate is 73.4%, comparable to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 36.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance (notably concentrated), education & training (employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average), and construction. Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 3.1% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Belgrave saw a 1.5% increase in employment levels and a 1.1% increase in labour force, leading to a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Belgrave's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized 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 above-average national income level according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for the financial year 2023. Belgrave's median income among taxpayers was $60,426 and average income stood at $78,144, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,411 (median) and $84,591 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Belgrave's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 74th and 78th percentiles. The data showed that 34.9% of residents (1,371 people) earned $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, mirroring the surrounding region's 32.8%. Notably, 31.3% earned above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 86.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking placing 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Belgrave's home ownership rate was 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, below Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Belgrave was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Belgrave's mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 21.4%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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 benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 37.3% hold university qualifications, compared to 23.8% in the SA3 area and 30.4% nationally. This educational advantage positions Belgrave favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (20.9%). Educational participation is high in Belgrave, 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 stops operating in Belgrave. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 28 individual services that facilitate 4,575 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 239 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 88%, while train usage stands at 7%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

Notably, 36.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census data; this figure may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions). Across all routes, service frequency averages 653 trips daily, equating to roughly 127 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

Health data for Belgrave shows positive outcomes, with AreaSearch's analysis finding mortality rates and health conditions comparable to national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is high, with approximately 58% of the total population (around 2,265 people) having it. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.2 and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 68.6% of Belgrave residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (628 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings even better than the general population.

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

Belgrave, as per the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 80.9% of its population born in Australia and 91.1% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 92.8%. Christianity dominated religious beliefs at 26.6%.

Judaism, though small at 0.2%, was higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%. Belgrave's top ancestral groups were English (30.4%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, Dutch (3.1%) French (0.9%), and Polish (1.0%) populations were higher compared to regional averages.

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 the time of the census. It was also similar to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave had a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.8%). Between the censuses in 2016 and 2021, the population aged 75-84 grew from 3.2% to 5.4%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 25-34 decreased from 12.6% to 9.8%. By 2041, Belgrave's age composition is expected to change significantly. The population aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 43%, reaching 304 people from the previous total of 212. This growth will be predominantly driven by those aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 86% of Belgrave's population growth. Conversely, populations in the 25-34 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decline.