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, the estimated population of Bellfield (Banyule - Vic.) as of Feb 2026 is around 2,511. This reflects an increase of 515 people from the 2021 Census figure of 1,996 people, indicating a growth rate of 25.8%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,181 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,700 persons per square kilometer, placing Bellfield in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bellfield's growth rate exceeded both the SA3 area (8.1%) and the national average during this period. The primary driver for population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains.

However, all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Bellfield is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally over the period until 2041. The area is predicted to increase by 1,288 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 41.1% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bellfield averaged around 36 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 180 homes. So far in FY26, 55 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 was 0.9.

New construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average value of new homes being built is $401,000. In the current financial year, $5.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bellfield shows 158.0% higher building activity per person as of FY26. This indicates robust developer interest in the area, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend toward denser development that provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix of 75.0% houses, indicating reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Bellfield has approximately 96 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bellfield is forecasted to gain 1,033 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could impact this area. Key projects are 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 pertinent.

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

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

Bellfield's workforce is well-educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 8.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%. As of September 2025, 1,141 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high 31.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Education & training has limited presence at 7.9% compared to the regional 9.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by working population vs resident population counts. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force grew by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment expansion by 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Bellfield suburb's income level is lower than average nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Bellfield's median income among taxpayers is $50,160 and average income stands at $61,422. Greater Melbourne's figures are $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). With Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bellfield are approximately $54,298 (median) and $66,489 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 55th percentile ($1,845 weekly), while personal income sits at the 32nd percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.1% of Bellfield's community (831 individuals), similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy 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

As of the latest Census evaluation in Bellfield, 74.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 25.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellfield stood at 22.2%, with mortgaged properties at 32.9% and rented ones at 44.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Melbourne's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Bellfield was $375, similar to Melbourne's $390 but comparable to the national average of $375 for rents and significantly higher than the national mortgage repayment average of $1,863.

Bellfield features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical 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 account for 31.9%, comprising 24.1% lone person households and 7.1% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Melbourne average.

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 of 37.4% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's 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 prominent, with 25.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 9.8% and certificates make up 15.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.8% in primary, 7.8% in tertiary, 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 operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 10 different routes, facilitating a total of 1,804 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 224 meters to the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outwards daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 82% of residents, followed by buses at 7% and trains at 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 31.5% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 257 trips per day, translating to approximately 164 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Bellfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Bellfield faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,284 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.9% and 8.6% of residents respectively. 69.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. 14.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (364 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 33.1% of its population born overseas and 37.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Bellfield, comprising 35.2% of people. Islam is overrepresented in Bellfield compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 11.4% versus the regional average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.1%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (14.1%). Notably, Lebanese (3.4%) is overrepresented in Bellfield compared to the regional figure of 0.8%, Sri Lankan (0.9%) is slightly higher than regionally (0.8%), and Greek (4.1%) is also overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.7%.

Bellfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bellfield's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37. This is modestly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bellfield has a higher concentration of 35-44 year-olds at 19.0%, but fewer 15-24 year-olds at 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group grew from 16.5% to 19.0% of Bellfield's population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.4% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 11.3% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Bellfield's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 65%, adding 175 residents to reach 447.