Bentleigh

Population growth drivers in Bentleigh are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Bentleigh's population is estimated at around 19,355. This reflects an increase of 1,434 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,921. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 19,263 as of June 2024, along with validation of an additional 208 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,109 persons per square kilometer, placing Bentleigh in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Bentleigh has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using 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. Considering these projections, Bentleigh is expected to increase by 4,424 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 22.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Bentleigh among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Bentleigh recorded approximately 112 residential properties granted approval each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 560 homes were approved, with a further 47 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 2.1 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $762,000, indicating a focus on premium properties by developers. This financial year has seen $10.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Bentleigh maintains similar construction rates per person. New development consists of 31.0% standalone homes and 69.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 60.0% houses. This higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Bentleigh has approximately 263 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bentleigh is projected to grow by 4,356 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with this projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include East Village, East Village Strategic Site - Assemble Build-to-Rent Precinct, Laurel, Bentleigh Club Redevelopment at Bentleigh, and Westfield Southland Ongoing Upgrades. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Bentleigh has been broadly consistent with national averages

Bentleigh has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical (1.4 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 3.0% compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.6%, while employment remained unchanged, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period.

State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13%, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Bentleigh's employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Bentleigh had one of Australia's highest incomes according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median taxpayer income was $62,714 and average income stood at $87,559. These figures compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,888 (median) and $94,783 (average). Census 2021 income data showed Bentleigh's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 77th and 81st percentiles. The earnings profile indicated that 27.7% of Bentleigh's population earned within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, mirroring the region where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Notably, 37.5% earned above $3,000 weekly. Despite high housing costs consuming 15.4% of income, strong earnings placed disposable income at the 81st percentile nationally. Bentleigh's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

Bentleigh displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Bentleigh's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.9% houses and 40.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bentleigh stood at 34.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, surpassing Melbourne metro's average of $2,396. Median weekly rent in Bentleigh was $480, higher than Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Bentleigh's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bentleigh has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.8% of all households, including 37.3% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.2%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Bentleigh demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Bentleigh's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 47.9% possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. University degrees are the most prevalent (30.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.0%, with advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 11.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 7.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bentleigh has 60 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,224 weekly passenger trips. The area boasts excellent transport accessibility with residents located an average of 195 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 460 trips per day, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bentleigh's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Bentleigh, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 61% of the total population (11,872 people), compared to 65.8% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.9 and 6.7% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 74.6%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 74.0% reported across Greater Melbourne. Bentleigh has a population with 15.8% aged 65 and over (3,058 people), and health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, mirroring the general population's health profile.

Bentleigh 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

Bentleigh has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Bentleigh, making up 42.5% of the population. However, Judaism is notably underrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising only 6.4% of Bentleigh's population versus the regional average of 17.5%.

The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are English at 20.0%, Australian at 18.1%, and Other at 12.2%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Polish is overrepresented at 1.8% compared to the regional average of 3.1%, Russian also shows overrepresentation at 1.8% versus 2.2%, and Hungarian has a lower representation at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

Bentleigh's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Bentleigh is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bentleigh has a notably higher percentage of individuals aged 55-64 (12.6% locally) and a lower percentage of those aged 25-34 (11.8%). According to post-2021 Census data, the age group 15-24 has grown from 12.3% to 13.7%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 14.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Bentleigh. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 30%, adding 828 people and reaching a total of 3,616 from the current 2,787. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow by 9%, with an increase of 76 residents.