Belgrave

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for Belgrave's broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census in 2021, the suburb's population is estimated at around 3,926 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 32 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,894 people, indicating a growth rate of approximately 0.8%. AreaSearch inferred this change by examining the latest ABS Estimated Resident Population (ERP) data release in June 2024, which estimated Belgrave's resident population at 3,903, along with an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 962 persons per square kilometer, relatively in line with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Belgrave's growth rate since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth primarily drove population growth for the suburb during recent periods, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains.

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 Victorian State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted 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. Considering these projected demographic shifts, Belgrave's population is expected to decline by 133 persons by the year 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 130 people over this period.

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 allocated from statistical area data indicates Belgrave has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 22 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. The area's population decline suggests new supply is likely keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $962,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $35.8 million in commercial development approvals, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave has significantly less development activity, 72.0% below regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, it is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Belgrave has been detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With approximately 1291 people per dwelling approval, Belgrave demonstrates an established market. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Belgrave has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No changes can significantly affect an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable 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. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, matching Greater Melbourne's rate.

Workforce participation was higher at 71.8%. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training had employment levels 1.6 times the regional average. Transport, postal & warehousing had a limited presence with 3.1% employment compared to 5.2% regionally.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Belgrave's employment levels increased by 0.2% and labour force by 0.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising to 5.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Belgrave's projected local employment growth, based on these projections weighted against its current employment mix, is estimated at 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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 2022. The average income stood at $78,144 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, Belgrave's estimated median income is approximately $67,774, and the average is around $87,646. According to the 2021 Census, Belgrave's household incomes rank between the 74th and 78th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated in Belgrave with 34.9% of residents (1,370 people). Notably, 31.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 dwelling structure, 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 stood 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. Median weekly rent in Belgrave was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. 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 fairly typical 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 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 educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 23.8% in the SA3 area and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 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. Belgrave's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,573 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1084. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. As of recent statistics, Belgrave functions as an education hub with 40.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 35 operational stops in Belgrave offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 27 unique routes, collectively facilitating 4691 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 242 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 670 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 134 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 52.4%.

Mental health issues affect 11.2% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.4%. Around 68.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.9% in Greater Melbourne. As of the latest data (20XX), 15.6% (~612 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Senior health outcomes are strong, performing better than 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Belgrave, comprising 26.6% of people. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Belgrave at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.4%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (9.7%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Dutch (overrepresented at 3.1% vs regional 3.2%), French (overrepresented at 0.9% vs regional 0.5%), and Polish (overrepresented at 1.0% vs regional 0.7%).

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

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