Bentleigh

Bentleigh 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 and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Bentleigh is estimated at around 19,571 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,650 people (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,921 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,437 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 208 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,155 persons per square kilometer, placing Bentleigh in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bentleigh's 9.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Bentleigh, with the suburb expected to increase by 4,421 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 21.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bentleigh among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Bentleigh recorded approximately 119 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 597 homes were approved, with an additional 42 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years accommodated about 2 new residents per year. However, this figure has increased to 5.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing demand and tightening supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $762,000, reflecting a focus on premium segments with upmarket properties. This fiscal year has seen approximately $14.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Bentleigh's construction rates per person are similar to Greater Melbourne's, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although recent periods have shown some moderation. Recent construction comprises 31.0% detached houses and 69.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 60.0% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. Bentleigh reflects a transitioning market with around 215 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bentleigh is expected to grow by approximately 4,137 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

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 40 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include East Village Strategic Site - Assemble Build-to-Rent Precinct, Laurel, Bentleigh Club Redevelopment, Westfield Southland Ongoing Upgrades, and East Village. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 4.0%, Bentleigh has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Bentleigh has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment stability was maintained over the past year (June 2024 to June 2025). As of June 2025, 11,172 residents are employed with an unemployment rate at 0.6% below Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation is standard at 68.3%. Employment 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 5.2% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. During June 2024 to June 2025, Bentleigh's labour force increased by 1.3% while employment decreased by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years (Sep-22 projections) and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bentleigh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Bentleigh's median income among taxpayers was $62,717 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $87,555 during the same period. These figures are higher than Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bentleigh would be approximately $70,343 (median) and $98,202 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Bentleigh rank highly nationally, between the 77th and 81st percentiles. In Bentleigh, 27.7% of the population (5,421 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. A significant 37.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income in Bentleigh, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 81st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Bentleigh's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.9% houses and 40.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bentleigh stood at 34.7%, higher than Melbourne metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings made up 36.3%, and rented dwellings accounted for 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, above the Melbourne metro average of $2,396. The median weekly rent figure was $480, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Bentleigh's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.2%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households making up 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 high, with 47.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing both national (30.4%) and Victorian state averages (33.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.0% of qualifications, 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 education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 7.3% pursuing tertiary education. Bentleigh's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,195 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1127. Education provision is balanced with three primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (11.2) fall below the regional average (14.1), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Bentleigh has 58 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 different routes that facilitate 3,930 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 195 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 561 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 67 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 Bentleigh has a low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 61% of the total population (12,002 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 65.2%. Nationally, it stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 6.9% and 6.7% of residents respectively. Seventy-four point six percent of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. Bentleigh has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,092 people). Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Bentleigh is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bentleigh has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bentleigh, accounting for 42.5%. Judaism is underrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, comprising only 6.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20%), Australian (18.1%), and Other (12.2%). Polish, Russian, and Hungarian ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Bentleigh compared to regional averages.

Bentleigh's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Bentleigh is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bentleigh has a notably higher proportion of people aged 55-64 (12.6% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (11.8%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.7%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Bentleigh, with the 45-54 group expected to grow by 28% (adding 797 people), reaching a total of 3,616 from 2,818 previously. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 8%, adding only 69 residents.