Belgrave

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Belgrave as of Feb 2026 is around 3,929. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,894 people, a rise of 35 (0.9%). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,906 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of nine new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 963 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 129 persons according to these methodologies. However, growth in specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably a rise of 135 people in the 75 to 84 age group.

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 in Belgrave shows approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 22 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY26. This rate has likely kept up with demand despite population decline, offering good choice for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $962,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. In the current financial year, Belgrave has recorded $44.8 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave has significantly less development activity, with 72.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also below national 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.

The location has approximately 2583 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Belgrave should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects likely impacting this area. Notable projects include Angliss Hospital Expansion, Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program (1997-2003), South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades (2005-present), and Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program (2010-ongoing).

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. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 0.7%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,182 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.9% (0.2% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%). Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicate that 36.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Education & training has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 3.1% employment compared to 5.2% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7% and labour force increased by 0.4%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Belgrave's local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Belgrave's employment mix.

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

Belgrave suburb's median income among taxpayers was $60,426 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $78,144 during the same period. These figures were higher than Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. As of September 2025, current estimates project Belgrave's median income to be approximately $65,411 and average income at around $84,591, factoring in an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Belgrave's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 74th and 78th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 34.9% of residents (1,371 people), similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Notably, 31.3% earned above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 86.9% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area'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. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belgrave was 32.1%, matching Melbourne metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were at 60.3% and rented ones at 7.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. 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 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 account for 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% possess university qualifications, compared to the SA3 area average of 23.8% and Australia's average of 30.4%. This high level of educational attainment 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%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.0% and certificates for 20.9%. Educational participation is notably 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

The analysis of public transport in Belgrave indicates that there are currently 36 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a variety of bus routes, with a total of 28 individual routes providing service to these locations. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 4,575. The accessibility of public transport in Belgrave is rated as good, with residents typically residing approximately 239 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation for these outward journeys, with 88% of residents choosing this option.

Train travel accounts for 7% of outward commutes. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in Belgrave, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant proportion of residents, specifically 36.1%, work from home, which may be attributed to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages at 653 trips per day, translating to approximately 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

Belgrave's health data shows positive results, aligning closely with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Approximately 58% of Belgrave residents have private health cover (around 2,265 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.2 and 8.4% respectively. About 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% of residents aged 65 and over (636 people), exceeding Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably 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 was found to be below average, with 80.9% of its population born in Australia and 91.1% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 92.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 26.6% of Belgrave's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.4%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (9.7%). These figures were significantly higher than regional averages of 20.1% for English, 18.4% for Australian, and 6.1% for Irish. Notable divergences also existed in the representation of Dutch (3.1%, compared to 1.2%), French (0.9%, compared to 0.5%), and Polish (1.0%, compared to 0.8%) ethnic groups.

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 as of a certain date. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave had a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.8%). Between the 2021 Census and another specified date, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 increased from 3.2% to 5.4%, while those aged 15-24 rose from 10.5% to 11.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 12.6% to 9.8%. By a specific date in the future, Belgrave is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 302 from 212. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 86% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 25-34 and 55-64.