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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Bellfield (Banyule - Vic.) is around 2,106. This reflects an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,996. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,092 residents following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,264 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bellfield's growth rate of 5.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.1%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 1,299 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 69.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bellfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bellfield shows an average of approximately 34 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 170 homes. In the current financial year, FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, there has been about one new resident per year per dwelling constructed.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or even outstripping demand, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth. The average value of new homes being built in Bellfield is $401,000, which is below the regional average, indicating potentially more affordable housing options. There have been $3.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. When compared to Greater Melbourne, Bellfield has 144.0% higher building activity per person, suggesting greater choice for buyers. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. This high level of activity is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 10.0% standalone homes and 90.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a trend towards denser development which appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix of 75.0% houses. Bellfield has approximately 169 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bellfield is forecasted to gain 1,454 residents by 2041. If development rates remain at current levels, housing supply may struggle to keep up with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bellfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

No factors can influence a region's performance more than alterations 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 anticipated to be most relevant.

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 representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 8.4% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of June 2025, 1,117 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Bellfield is 61.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. The area shows significant specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

However, education & training has a limited presence with 7.9% employment compared to the regional average of 9.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 3.4%, while labour force grew by 1.2%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded an employment growth of 3.5% and a labour force growth of 4.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. 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.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Bellfield's median income among taxpayers was $50,160 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $61,422 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bellfield would be approximately $56,259 (median) and $68,891 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 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 in Bellfield earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (697 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income. However, 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 in the area was $2,300, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was $375, compared to Melbourne metro's $399. Nationally, Bellfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

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

Family households account for 68.1 percent of all households, including 32.1 percent couples with children, 21.4 percent couples without children, and 13.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.9 percent, with lone person households at 24.1 percent and group households making up 7.1 percent of the total. 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 within the region, with university qualification rates at 37.4% of residents aged 15+, surpassing Australia's 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 at 9.8% and certificates at 15.2%.

Educational participation is 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. Waratah Special Developmental School serves Bellfield locals with an enrollment of 71 students as of 2021. The area offers balanced educational opportunities, typical of Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 962). All schools provide integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. Local school capacity is limited at 3.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.4, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, totaling 10 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 3,196 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Bellfield is rated as good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 456 trips per day, equating to approximately 290 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, with common health conditions among its general population somewhat typical but higher than the average among older cohorts. Private health cover is held by approximately 51% of Bellfield residents (~1,077 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.9% and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 69.6% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.3%. Bellfield has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.9% (292 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Bellfield is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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 predominant religion in Bellfield, making up 35.2% of people there, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of around 48%. Islam is overrepresented in Bellfield, comprising 11.4% of its population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.1%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (14.1%). The percentage for the Other group is notably higher than the regional average of 8.7%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Lebanese (3.4% vs regional 0.6%), Sri Lankan (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), and Greek (4.1% vs regional 3.0%).

Bellfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bellfield's median age is nearly 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 present day, the 35-44 age group has increased from 16.5% to 18.8%, while the 15-24 cohort has decreased from 11.3% to 10.0%. The 55-64 age group has also dropped from 11.1% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Bellfield's age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 45-54 cohort, projected to increase by 99% adding 223 residents to reach 449.