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 suburb of Bellfield (Banyule - Vic.) had an estimated population of around 2,511 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 515 people (25.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,996 people. The change was 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 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,700 persons per square kilometer, placing Bellfield in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 25.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.1%) and 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 2022 as the base year. 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. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of statistical areas across the nation, is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 1,023 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bellfield averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 179 homes. As of FY26 so far, 59 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY21 and FY25, each new dwelling constructed resulted in around 0.9 new residents annually. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $401,000. In FY26, $5.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicative of the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bellfield has shown 160.0% higher building activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers despite recent moderation in development activity. This is notably above the national average, indicating significant developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 10.0% standalone homes and 90.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a considerable shift from the current housing mix of 75.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 98 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bellfield is projected to gain 693 residents by 2041 based on current development patterns. If this trend continues, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like adjustments to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are anticipated 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 outlines those likely to be most pertinent.

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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 notable representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 9.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%. As of December 2025, 1,139 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 4.9%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A high proportion of residents, 31.5%, worked from home, possibly influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training had a limited presence at 7.9%, compared to the regional average of 9.2%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while the labour force grew by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bellfield. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Bellfield's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this extrapolation does not account for localized population projections.

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. Median income among taxpayers in Bellfield is $50,160 and average income stands at $61,422. Greater Melbourne's figures are $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for 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 individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (831 individuals). High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 53rd percentile. Bellfield'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

Dwelling structure in Bellfield, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 74.7% houses and 25.4% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellfield stood at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented dwellings at 44.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Melbourne metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Bellfield's median monthly mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents comparable at $375.

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 comprise the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households making up 7.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns 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 at 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 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. This includes 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 operational public transport stops, all providing bus services. These stops are served by 10 unique routes, together facilitating 1,804 weekly passenger journeys. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents' average proximity to the nearest stop being 224 meters. Predominantly residential, Bellfield sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 82%, followed by buses at 7% and trains at 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

The 2021 Census reports that 31.5% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency across all routes averages 257 trips, equating to about 164 weekly trips per individual 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all ages but more so among older cohorts.

Only approximately 51% of Bellfield's total population (~1,284 people) has private health cover, 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. However, 69.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Bellfield has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (379 people). While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they 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, making up 11.4% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (20.1%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (14.1%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Lebanese is overrepresented at 3.4% versus 0.8%, Sri Lankan at 0.9% versus 0.8%, and Greek at 4.1% versus 2.7%.

Bellfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bellfield's median age as of 2021 was 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constituted 19.5% of Bellfield's population in 2021, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national 14.4%. The 15-24 cohort made up 10.6% of Bellfield's population in 2021. Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 16.5% to 18.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.4% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 11.1% to 9.2%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.4% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for Bellfield in 2041 indicate that the 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 140 people (56%) from 248 to 389.