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

The population of the suburb of Brookfield (Vic.) is estimated to be around 11,374 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 592 people 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. Over the past decade, Brookfield has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%, outpacing the Greater Melbourne. Population growth for the area 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 5,262 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 49.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Brookfield has experienced around 62 dwellings receiving development approval each year. An estimated 312 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with 12 so far in FY-26.

On average, 3.5 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually during these years. This results in demand significantly exceeding new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $366,000. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brookfield records markedly lower building activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 209 people per dwelling approval, Brookfield shows characteristics of a low density area. Looking ahead, Brookfield is expected to grow by 5,568 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Melton Line Upgrade, Scenic Botanica Estate, Maplewood Estate, and Toolern Precinct Structure Plan. The following list details those most likely to be 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 has significant representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 9.0% as of an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of September 2025, there are 5,447 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 4.3%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Brookfield is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 16.9% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction. Brookfield has a particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 3.9%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force grew by 5.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's growth rates of 3.0% for employment and 3.3% for labour force, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brookfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Brookfield's median taxpayer income was $48,481 and average was $54,725 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest a median income of approximately $52,481 and an average of $59,240 in Brookfield. Census 2021 data shows incomes rank modestly in Brookfield, with 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). Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brookfield stood at 24.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.8% and rented dwellings at 30.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,663, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 20.1%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 3.1 people, 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (25.5%).

Educational participation is 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

Public transport analysis indicates 24 active transport stops operating within Brookfield, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,094 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located approximately 488 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, while train usage accounts for 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 16.9% of residents work from home, a figure which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 156 trips per day across all routes, 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Only 49% of Brookfield's total population (~5,520 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (8.0%) and mental health issues (7.9%), with 72.5% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65s in Brookfield have better-than-average health outcomes. Only 12.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,467 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. However, seniors' health outcomes present challenges, ranking lower nationally than 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 level of 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, making up 50.5% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which comprises 7.0% of the population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

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

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

At 32 years, Brookfield's median age is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brookfield has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.1%). This 5-14 concentration is higher than the national average of 12.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.1% to 5.0% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 15.2% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Brookfield's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 71%, adding 860 residents to reach a total of 2,078.