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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bellfield (Banyule - Vic.) is around 2,221 people. This reflects an increase of 225 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,996 people. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,187 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 87 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,388 persons per square kilometer, placing Bellfield in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.5%) and the state level, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Bellfield are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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. Considering these projections, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to expand by 1,195 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 52.3% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Bellfield has seen approximately 35 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 179 homes were approved, with a further 62 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.8 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This suggests supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new homes is $401,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $5.7 million, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bellfield records 160.0% more building activity per person, providing ample choice for buyers despite recent slowdowns in building activity. This is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area. New building activity consists of 10.0% detached dwellings and 90.0% attached dwellings, favouring higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant shift from the current housing mix of 75.0% houses, driven by reduced development site availability and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Bellfield's population growth is projected to add around 1,161 residents by 2041, with development keeping reasonable pace with this projected growth. However, increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

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

No changes can significantly influence a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Redevelopment, Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Tarakan Street Social and Affordable Housing, and Preston Place. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Bellfield faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Bellfield's workforce is well-educated with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 9.4% as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there were 1,066 residents employed at an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which was 0.8 percentage points above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Bellfield was lower at 65.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses indicated that 31.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Bellfield showed strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training employed only 7.9% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.2%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. In a 12-month period ending in May-25, Bellfield's labour force decreased by 0.3% and employment decreased by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Bellfield's employment mix suggested 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Bellfield's median income is $50,160 and average income is $61,422. This is below Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $54,985 (median) and $67,331 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Bellfield's household income ranks at the 55th percentile ($1,845 weekly) and personal income at the 32nd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 33.1% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (735 people). High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income 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

The dwelling structure in Bellfield, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.7% houses and 25.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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 $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Bellfield was recorded at $375, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 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 constitute the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 7.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's 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% of 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 comprise 9.8%, while certificates account for 15.2%.

Educational participation is notably high at 29.9%, 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 operational public transport stops offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by 10 distinct routes, facilitating 1,804 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 224 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Bellfield residents commute 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.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 31.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 257 trips daily, equating to roughly 164 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bellfield are marginally below the national average 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 indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment as of June 20XX. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% (1,136 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.9% of residents and asthma impacting 8.6%. Meanwhile, 69.6% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 14.2% (315 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes presenting some challenges but ranking 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, making up 35.2% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 11.4% of Bellfield's population 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%) and Sri Lankan (0.9%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% each, while Greek population is also notably higher at 4.1%.

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 25-34 year-olds (19.5%) but fewer 15-24 year-olds (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 16.5% to 18.1%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 11.1% to 9.9% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. By 2041, Bellfield's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 85%, adding 194 residents to reach a total of 423.