Brookfield (Vic.)

Brookfield lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Brookfield's population is estimated at around 11,374 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 592 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 10,782 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,363 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 301 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,105 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending February 2026, Brookfield has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 3.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 51.0% 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 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 applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 5,009 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 43.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Brookfield has received approximately 62 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 312 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY-26.

Each year, about 3.5 new residents are expected per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. This demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new dwellings is approximately $366,000. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brookfield has notably lower building activity, recording 78.0% below the regional average per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. New development primarily consists of detached houses (89.0%) and townhouses or apartments (11.0%), maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. Brookfield has a low density characteristic, with around 209 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Brookfield is projected to grow by approximately 4,998 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that may impact the area. Notable ones include Melton Line Upgrade, Scenic Botanica Estate, Maplewood Estate, and Toolern Precinct Structure Plan. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Brookfield are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Brookfield's skilled workforce is notable, with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate in Brookfield was 9.3% as of a recent period, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,419 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 4.6%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Brookfield was broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, a moderate 16.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction. Brookfield had particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, professional & technical services had a limited presence, with only 3.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 2.0%, while the labour force grew by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, with the labour force expanding by 2.8% and unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Brookfield. These projections estimated that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Brookfield's employment mix suggested that local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Brookfield is $48,481 and the average is $54,725 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are lower than national averages. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,481 (median) and $59,240 (average), accounting for an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023 as per the Wage Price Index. According to Census 2021 income data, Brookfield ranks modestly in terms of household, family, and personal incomes, between the 29th and 44th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 37.7% of residents (4,287 people), similar to the regional trend where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Brookfield, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile.

Brookfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Brookfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brookfield was at 24.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.8% and rented ones at 30.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,663, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Brookfield was $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Brookfield's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Brookfield features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 79.9% of all households, including 43.7% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.1%, consisting of 18.1% lone person households and 1.8% group households. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Brookfield aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (25.5%). Educational participation is high at 34.6%, with 14.2% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.2% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Brookfield has 24 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are serviced by seven different routes that together facilitate 1,094 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 488 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Brookfield being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%, while 6% use trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 156 trips per day, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Brookfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Brookfield faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age cohorts but notably higher among older adults. Private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 5,520 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.0% and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 72.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,535 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Brookfield 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

Brookfield has a high cultural diversity, with 35.8% of its population born overseas and 36.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Brookfield, comprising 50.5% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 7.0% of the population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Other (21.2%), Australian (20.3%), and English (19.4%). Notably, Maltese (3.6%) is overrepresented in Brookfield compared to the regional average of 1.1%, as are Samoan (2.1% vs 0.3%) and Serbian (0.7% vs 0.4%).

Brookfield hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Brookfield's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brookfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.9%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 3.1% to 5.2%, while the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has declined from 15.2% to 12.9%. Demographic projections indicate that Brookfield's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the strongest growth expected in the 45 to 54 age cohort, which is projected to grow by 65%, adding 804 residents to reach a total of 2,044.