Brooklyn (Vic.)

Brooklyn lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the Census, as of May 2026, Brooklyn's estimated population is around 2,307. This reflects an increase of 328 people (16.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,979. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,271 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 136 validated new addresses since the Census date. Brooklyn's population density is 421 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both state (9.3%) and national averages between censuses, driven primarily by overseas migration contributing approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting via weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed, with Brooklyn expected to increase by 640 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 26.2% over these 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Brooklyn when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Brooklyn recorded around 45 residential properties granted approval each year. Approximately 225 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 31 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built annually during these years.

This suggests supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $394,000. In FY-26 alone, there have been $52.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. New development consists of 21.0% detached houses and 79.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 53.0% houses.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Brooklyn shows characteristics of a growth area with around 55 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Brooklyn is forecasted to gain 604 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects expected to influence the region. Notable projects are The Fabric at Altona North, Altona North Strategic Site, RBR Hub Industrial Estate, and Green Streets Program. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Brooklyn ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Brooklyn has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of December 2025. Employment grew by 7.6% in the past year.

Brooklyn's unemployment rate is below Greater Melbourne's (4.8%), and its workforce participation rate is higher (86.1% vs 69.9%). Home workership was high at 30.8%. Key industries include construction, healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, with strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (1.6 times the regional level). However, health care & social assistance has lower representation than average (10.5% vs 14.2%).

There are 3.2 workers per resident, indicating Brooklyn is an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 7.6%, labour force grew by 8.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded lower growth rates. National employment forecasts suggest an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years for Brooklyn, based on its current employment mix.

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

The median taxpayer income in Brooklyn was $81,551 in financial year 2023. The average income was $99,640 during the same period. These figures are among the top percentile nationally. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 in the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates for Brooklyn's median income would be approximately $89,396 by March 2026, with the average expected to reach around $109,225 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Brooklyn stood out at the 84th percentile nationally, with a weekly income of $1,064. In this suburb, 38.6% of locals (890 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, mirroring the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 17.4% of income in Brooklyn, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 60th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Brooklyn displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Brooklyn, as per the latest Census, 53.3% of dwellings were houses while 46.6% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brooklyn stood at 21.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (38.0%) or rented (40.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,068, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Brooklyn was $391, slightly above Melbourne metro's figure of $390. Nationally, Brooklyn's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,068 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Similarly, rents in Brooklyn exceeded the national figure of $375.

Brooklyn features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.6% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households making up 5.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Brooklyn exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Brooklyn residents aged 15+ with university qualifications (34.0%) slightly exceed the Australian average (30.4%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.3% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 20.1%.

Currently, 24.8% of the population is engaged in formal education, including 6.5% in primary, 5.9% in tertiary, and 4.2% in secondary education.

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

Brooklyn has 27 active public transport stops operating within the area. These stops are serviced by 9 different bus routes, providing a total of 1,860 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 183 meters. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 87%, with train usage at 5%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 30.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 265 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Brooklyn faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (1,523 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 72.7% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65s have better than average health outcomes. The area has 8.1% of residents aged 65 and over (186 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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

Brooklyn has a high level of cultural diversity, with 38.2% of its population born overseas and 35.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Brooklyn, making up 42.2% of the population. Islam is overrepresented in Brooklyn compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 7.7% versus 5.6%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (18.7%), Australian (15.1%), and Other (14.5%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Polish at 1.4% in Brooklyn versus 0.8% regionally, Spanish at 0.9% versus 0.4%, and Maltese at 2.4% versus 1.1%.

Brooklyn hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Brooklyn's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 24.8% of Brooklyn's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.6%. The 5-14 age group makes up 6.3% of Brooklyn's population. Between 2021 and present, residents have aged on average by 1.1 years, with the median age increasing from 34 to 35. During this period, the 55-64 age group grew from 9.9% to 16.5%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 15.3% to 20.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 29.1% to 24.8%, and the 75-84 group dropped from 3.0% to 1.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Brooklyn, with the 55-64 age cohort projected to grow by 44%, adding 167 residents to reach a total of 548.