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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bulleen is around 11,788. This reflects an increase of 569 people from the 2021 Census figure of 11,219. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 11,692 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and validation of an additional 94 new addresses since the Census date. 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. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Bulleen are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a growth of just below the median for national areas, with an expected increase of 802 persons in Bulleen by 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 6.0% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bulleen has experienced around 70 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 351 homes. So far in FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.4 people moving to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $835,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $8.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Bulleen has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, though building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, representing a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 80.0% houses. This trend indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

At around 222 people per approval, Bulleen reflects a low density area. Looking ahead, Bulleen is expected to grow by 704 residents through to 2041, according to 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 has identified 20 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include North East Link, Manningham Road Interchange, Bulleen Park Sports Upgrade, and Yarra Link Green Bridge. The following list details those likely to be 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's workforce is well-educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 5.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6%. As of September 2025, 6,006 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 62.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 34.2% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Construction has limited presence at 8.2%, compared to 9.7% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6% and labour force grew by 2.6%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising to 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion at 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, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 ended June 2023, Bulleen had a median income among taxpayers of $51,305 and an average income of $74,606. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Greater Melbourne levels of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,538, while the average is projected to reach $80,761 by then. According to the 2021 Census, Bulleen's household income ranks at the 54th percentile with a weekly income of $1,814, and personal income sits at the 36th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 27.8% of Bulleen's population (3,277 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses in Bulleen, 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

Bulleen's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bulleen stood at 49.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bulleen was $459, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bulleen's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian 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 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 aligns with 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%. 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 stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest stop. Bulleen is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 87%. Seven percent of residents use buses for their commutes. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Bulleen, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 34.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 323 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bulleen's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Bulleen.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~6,635 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.0 and 5.4% of residents respectively. 72.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 24.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,911 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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. The predominant religion in Bulleen is Christianity, accounting for 59.8% of the population, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups in Bulleen are Chinese (16.5%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (12.5%).

These figures are substantially higher than the regional averages of 6.5%, 5.2%, and 18.4% respectively. Notably, Greek ethnicity is overrepresented at 10.4% in Bulleen compared to 2.7% regionally, while Macedonian and Croatian ethnicities also show notable divergences at 1.2% and 1.1% respectively versus regional averages of 0.7%.

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 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.4% to 13.1%, while the 55-64 age group increased from 13.0% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 13.8% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bulleen's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 1,534 people from the current 1,225. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% of total population growth. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.