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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around Bentleigh, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb's population is estimated at around 19,277 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,356 people (7.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,921 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,243 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 208 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,092 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 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Bentleigh, with the suburb expected to increase by 4,092 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 21.1% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bentleigh recorded around 112 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 560 homes were approved, with a further 56 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about two people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five 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, supporting market stability. 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, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Bentleigh has approximately 259 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for further growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bentleigh is projected to grow by 4,058 residents through to 2041.

Development is keeping pace with this projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may result from the expanding population.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include East Village, East Village Strategic Site - Assemble Build-to-Rent Precinct, Laurel, Bentleigh Club Redevelopment at Bentleigh, and ongoing upgrades at Westfield Southland. 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 exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bentleigh has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 10,966 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Bentleigh is similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses indicate that 45.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade sectors. Bentleigh has a notably high concentration in professional & technical employment, at 1.4 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 3.0% employment compared to 5.2% regionally. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.6%, alongside a 0.5% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.1 percentage points in Bentleigh. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 2.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that Bentleigh's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Bentleigh's employment mix.

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

The suburb of Bentleigh has one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest ATO data for the financial year ending 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bentleigh is $62,714, with an average income of $87,559. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on a 9.62% increase from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bentleigh would be approximately $68,747 (median) and $95,982 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census data from 2021, incomes in Bentleigh rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 77th and 81st percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 27.7% of Bentleigh's population (5,339 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income range, reflecting a similar trend in the broader region where 32.8% earn within this bracket. Notably, 37.5% of Bentleigh residents earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity that contributes to local economic activity. Despite high housing costs consuming 15.4% of income, strong earnings 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.9% houses and 40.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Bentleigh's home ownership rate was 34.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bentleigh was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Bentleigh was $480, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 fairly typical 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, aligning with Greater Melbourne's average.

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 exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 47.9% have university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 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.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,224 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 195 meters of the nearest stop. Bentleigh is predominantly residential, and most residents commute outward using their cars (78%), while 12% use trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home (45.1%), which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

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

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

Bentleigh's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 61% of Bentleigh's total population (11,824 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%, and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Bentleigh, affecting 6.9% and 6.7% of residents respectively. Notably, 74.6% of Bentleigh residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have a low prevalence of chronic conditions. Bentleigh has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,161 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors in Bentleigh are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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. The predominant religion in Bentleigh is Christianity, accounting for 42.5% of the population. Notably, Judaism is substantially overrepresented, comprising 6.4% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.0%), Australian (18.1%), and Other (12.2%). Some ethnic groups have notable representation: Polish at 1.8%, Russian at 1.8%, and Hungarian at 0.5%.

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 very close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Bentleigh at 12.7%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.8% of Bentleigh's population, while the 45-54 age group has declined from 15.4% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Bentleigh, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 30%, reaching 3,548 people from 2,737.