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

The population of the Bulleen statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 11,788 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 569 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,219. The current resident population estimate of 11,692, validated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 94 new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 1,799 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

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 released in 2023, adjusting using 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. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of national areas by 2041, with the Bulleen (SA2) expected to grow by 801 persons over this period. This reflects a total increase of 6.0% in population since November 2025.

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

Bulleen has seen approximately 70 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 351 homes. As of FY26, 24 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 is 0.4 people, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand. New properties are being constructed at an average cost of $835,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market.

Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $8.1 million, reflecting Bulleen's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bulleen has similar development levels per capita, supporting regional market stability despite recent slowing in building activity. Current construction comprises 33% detached dwellings and 67% attached dwellings, indicating a shift towards denser development to cater to diverse housing needs. Bulleen's population density is around 222 people per approval, reflecting its low-density status. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bulleen is projected to grow by 705 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current 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 has identified 20 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include North East Link, Manningham Road Interchange, Bulleen Park Sports Upgrade, and Yarra Link Green Bridge. The following list details those 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 a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year.

There are 6,006 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Bulleen is at 58.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while construction has limited presence at 8.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, while labour force also increased by 2.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% during this period. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bulleen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Bulleen had a median income among taxpayers of $51,305. The average income stood at $74,606. Nationally, these figures are high compared to national levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,538 (median) and $80,761 (average) as of September 2025. From 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 the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with surrounding regions where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses. 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 such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.1% houses and 32.9% other dwellings. Bulleen's home ownership rate was higher at 49.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bulleen was $2,400, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $459 compared to Melbourne metro's $462. Nationally, Bulleen's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,400 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the average for Greater Melbourne.

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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 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 and above, 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.

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

Bulleen has 58 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 2,262 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 188 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 323 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 39 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 exhibits above-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups.

Common health conditions have a low prevalence in these cohorts. Private health cover is high, with approximately 56% of the total population (~6,635 people) having it. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and mental health issues (5.4%). A majority, 72.6%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. Bulleen has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.3% (2,864 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 22.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 42.3% born overseas and 50.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bulleen, accounting for 59.8%, compared to 48.5% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (16.5%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (12.5%).

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

Bulleen hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

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 15-24 age group in Bulleen has increased from 11.4% to 12.8%, while the 75-84 age group has decreased from 9.6% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Bulleen's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 1,534 people from 1,178. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 66% of total population growth, reflecting Bulleen's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.