Bellfield (Banyule - Vic.)

Bellfield lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Bellfield's population is estimated at around 2,495 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 499 people (25.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,996 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,181 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,682 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bellfield's 25.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.0%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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, exceptional growth is predicted over this period with the Bellfield (Banyule - Vic.) statistical area expected to expand by 1,287 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 42.2% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bellfield when compared nationally

Bellfield averaged approximately 36 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 180 homes. In FY26 so far, 55 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.9 new residents were added per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $401,000 in Bellfield. In comparison to Greater Melbourne, Bellfield exhibited 158.0% higher building activity per person as of recent data. This indicates robust developer interest in the area, despite a moderation in development activity in recent periods. Recent construction comprised 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 75.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Bellfield has approximately 96 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bellfield is forecasted to gain 1,053 residents by 2041.

Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure. Additionally, $5.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Austin Health Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Redevelopment, Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Tarakan Street Social and Affordable Housing, and North East Link Project. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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Employment drivers in Bellfield are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Bellfield has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 8.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

As of September 2025, 1,146 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 61.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Education & training, however, has limited presence at 7.9% compared to the regional rate of 9.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 1.6%, while labour force grew by 0.6%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising slightly by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bellfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Bellfield suburb's income level is below national average based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Bellfield is $50,160 and average income stands at $61,422. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. With Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,298 (median) and $66,489 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 55th percentile ($1,845 weekly), while personal income sits at the 32nd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 33.1% of Bellfield residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (825 individuals), similar to regional levels where 32.8% fall into this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Bellfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Bellfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.7% houses and 25.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellfield was at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 44.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Bellfield was $375, slightly lower than Melbourne metro's $399. Nationally, Bellfield's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were similar at $375.

Bellfield features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.1% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up 31.9%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 7.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Bellfield shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 37.4% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 regional rate of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 9.8% and certificates for 15.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.8% in primary education, 7.8% in tertiary education, and 6.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Bellfield has 11 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 1,804 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 224 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 257 trips per day, which equates to approximately 164 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bellfield's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Bellfield's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% of Bellfield's total population (~1,276 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.9%. The most common medical conditions in Bellfield are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.9 and 8.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 69.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.3%. As of a recent study (date not specified), 14.0% of Bellfield's residents are aged 65 and over (349 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Bellfield present some challenges, requiring more attention than the broader population.

Bellfield was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bellfield's cultural diversity is notable, with 33.1% of its population born overseas and 37.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bellfield, accounting for 35.2% of the population. Islam, however, is significantly overrepresented compared to the Greater Melbourne average, comprising 11.4% of Bellfield's population.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.1%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (14.1%), which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.7%. Some ethnic groups show notable divergences in representation: Lebanese at 3.4% compared to 0.6% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.9% versus 0.5%, and Greek at 4.1% against 3.0%.

Bellfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bellfield has a median age of 36 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bellfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (18.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.0%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 16.5% to 18.8%, while the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has decreased from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, Bellfield's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 68%, adding 181 residents and reaching a total of 448.