Blackburn South

Blackburn South is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Blackburn South is around 11,302, reflecting a 3.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 10,939 people. This growth can be inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 10,994 in June 2024 and the validation of 41 new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 3,165 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods for Blackburn South. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest Blackburn South will increase by just below the median national rate, with an expected expansion of 423 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 1.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Blackburn South according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Blackburn South averaged around 44 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 224 homes were approved, with a further 16 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $703,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, commercial approvals totalled $2.2 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in Blackburn South. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Blackburn South has significantly less development activity, at 53.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New building activity comprises 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Blackburn South reflects a low density area, with around 293 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Blackburn South will gain 115 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Mirrabooka Reserve Pavilion Redevelopment, Wurundjeri Walk Master Plan, Raleigh Street Road Reconstruction Renewal Program, and Blackburn South Exclusive Townhouse Collection. The following list provides details on those considered most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Blackburn South recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Blackburn South has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%. As of December 2025, 5,654 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher at 5.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 64.9% versus Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Home workership was high at 39.6%. Leading industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training, with notable concentration in the latter at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction had lower representation at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force grew by 2.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 2.4% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blackburn South's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Blackburn South suburb has one of the highest income levels in Australia based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. Median income among taxpayers was $54,679 and average income stood at $79,321. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 respectively. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% indicate median income would be approximately $59,190 and average income around $85,865. According to Census data, household income ranks at the 56th percentile with a weekly income of $1,861, while personal income sits at the 39th percentile. Income distribution shows that 28.8% of Blackburn South's population (3,254 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Blackburn South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Blackburn South's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.7% houses and 24.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blackburn South was at 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 24.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,251, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Blackburn South was $410, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Blackburn South's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Blackburn South has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 70.7% of all households, including 37.7% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Blackburn South shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Blackburn South has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 42.6% holding university qualifications compared to the broader Australian figure of 30.4% and Victoria's rate of 33.4%. This area benefits from a significant educational advantage, with bachelor degrees being the most prevalent at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications in this age group, with advanced diplomas making up 11.1% and certificates accounting for 12.6%. Educational participation is notably high in Blackburn South, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Blackburn South has 47 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by 11 different routes, offering a total of 1,916 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically living 225 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars are used by 84% of residents for commuting, with trains at 7%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 273 trips per day, equating to about 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Blackburn South is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Blackburn South demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 58% (~6,569 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.4% and 7.3% of residents respectively. A total of 70.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.7% (2,452 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Blackburn South has a high level of cultural diversity, with 38.0% of its population born overseas and 37.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Blackburn South, making up 44.0% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Blackburn South compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 5.4% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.3%), Australian (18.1%), and Chinese (17.9%), with the latter being substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, including Sri Lankan (0.9% vs 0.8%), Greek (3.9% vs 2.7%), and Vietnamese (1.3% vs 1.9%).

Blackburn South's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Blackburn South is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 7.7% of the population in Blackburn South, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort makes up 9.8% of the population in Blackburn South. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.3%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.4% to 12.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that the 45-54 age group will grow by 12%, adding 179 people and reaching a total of 1,637. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 63% of the total population growth in Blackburn South, reflecting its aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 15-24 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.