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

By Feb 2026, the population of Blackburn South is estimated at around 11,302, a 3.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 10,939 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses since the Census date and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024. Blackburn South's population density stands at 3,165 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by these 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Blackburn South is projected to grow by 421 persons by 2041, reflecting a 1.0% increase over the 17-year period, which is just below the median growth rate of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch.

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. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 224 homes were approved, with a further 15 approved in FY26 to date. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $703,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. This financial year, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly focused on residential development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Blackburn South has significantly less development activity (53.0% below 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 110 residents through to 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, 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

AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the area's performance. Key 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 details those likely to be most 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.

The employment landscape in Blackburn South shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Blackburn South has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.6%. As of September 2025, 5,654 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 65.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high 39.6% of residents work from home, potentially due to Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Major industries include 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 shows lower representation at 7.9%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force grew by 2.4%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in Blackburn South. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industries. Applying these projections to Blackburn South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Blackburn South suburb has one of Australia's highest income levels, per AreaSearch data from Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for FY2023. Its median taxpayer income is $54,679 and average income stands at $79,321. Greater Melbourne's figures are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,190 (median) and $85,865 (average), adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data shows household income ranks at the 56th percentile ($1,861 weekly) and personal income at the 39th percentile. Income distribution reveals 28.8% (3,254 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to surrounding regions' 32.8%. 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.7% houses and 24.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blackburn South stood at 39.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (24.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,251, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $410, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Blackburn South's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches 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's residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications, at 42.6%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This educational advantage is driven by bachelor degrees (26.5%), postgraduate qualifications (11.5%), and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 12.6%. Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.7% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, 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 bus services. These are covered by 11 routes offering 1,916 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is good, with residents typically living 225 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode at 84%, while trains account for 7%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 273 trips per day, equating to about 40 weekly trips per 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 across older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 58% (~6,569 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is very high. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.4 and 7.3% of residents respectively. Around 70.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.5% (2,429 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 main religion in Blackburn South, accounting for 44.0% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented 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%), the latter being substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Some other ethnic groups also show notable differences: Sri Lankan is overrepresented at 0.9% compared to 0.8% regionally, Greek at 3.9% versus 2.7%, and Vietnamese at 1.3% compared to 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 older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 75-84 has a strong representation at 7.6% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 12.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Blackburn South. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 12%, adding 176 people, reaching a total of 1,634 from the previous figure of 1,457. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 64% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.