Bulleen

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

Bulleen's population was estimated at 11,219 people as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, this had increased to around 11,749, reflecting a growth of 530 people (4.7%). This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Bulleen's resident population at 11,693 in June 2024, based on the latest ABS ERP data release and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,793 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bulleen's growth rate of 4.7% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.0%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Bulleen.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest Bulleen will grow by just below the median rate of national areas, with an expected increase of 801 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bulleen recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bulleen shows approximately 70 dwelling approvals annually since FY-21. This totals an estimated 351 homes over the past five financial years, with 14 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. The average population increase per dwelling built has been 0.4 people yearly between FY-21 and FY-25. Developments have an average construction cost of $835,000, indicating a focus on the premium market.

Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $8.1 million. Bulleen's development levels per person are similar to Greater Melbourne, supporting regional market stability despite recent activity slowdown. Recent construction comprises 33% detached dwellings and 67% attached dwellings, reflecting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Bulleen has a low density of around 222 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 744 residents, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand.

Looking ahead, Bulleen is expected to grow by 744 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are North East Link, Manningham Road Interchange, Bulleen Park Sports Upgrade, and Yarra Link Green Bridge. The following details these projects, which are 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.

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

Bulleen has an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% in the past year, showing a 2.8% employment growth.

As of June 2025, 6,087 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is 1.3 percentage points higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Bulleen is lower at 58.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Construction, however, has limited presence with 8.2% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8%, while labour force increased by 3.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide further insight into potential future demand within Bulleen. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bulleen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Bulleen had a median income among taxpayers of $51,305 and an average level of $74,606. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bulleen would be approximately $57,544 (median) and $83,678 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 54th percentile ($1,814 weekly), while personal income sits at the 36th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 27.8% of Bulleen's population (3,266 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Bulleen, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.1% houses and 32.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bulleen was at 49.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented dwellings at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,400, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $459, compared to Melbourne metro's $462. Nationally, Bulleen's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,400 against Australia's average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bulleen has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 75.3% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 38.0%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 50.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (25.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational pathways account for 23.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 13.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.6% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education. Bulleen has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 1,909 students. The area shows significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1101). It includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 16.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.8, indicating that Bulleen serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Bulleen has 58 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 4,559 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 188 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 651 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 78 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Bulleen is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Bulleen shows above-average health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 56% (~6,613 people) have private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and mental health issues (5.4%). About 72.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. Around 24.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,855 people), higher than the 22.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors in Bulleen are particularly strong, outperforming general population health metrics.

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

Bulleen has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.3% of its population born overseas and 50.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bulleen, making up 59.8% of the population, compared to 48.5% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups in Bulleen are Chinese (16.5%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (12.5%).

Notably, Greek (10.4%) is overrepresented in Bulleen compared to the regional average of 7.6%. Macedonian (1.2%) and Croatian (1.1%) also have higher representations than their respective regional averages of 0.7% and 0.6%.

Bulleen hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Bulleen is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bulleen has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.4% to 12.8%, while the population aged 75-84 decreased from 9.6% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bulleen's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 31%, reaching 1,534 people from the current 1,174. Notably, the combined population aged 65 and above will account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting Bulleen's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.