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 per AreaSearch's analysis using ABS population updates and validated new addresses, the estimated population of Bulleen as of May 2026 is around 11,740. This represents an increase of 521 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,219. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 11,740 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,792 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing 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 population trends indicate an increase just below the median of national areas, with Bulleen expected to grow by 767 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 6.5% over the 16 years.

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 allocated from statistical area data shows Bulleen has received around 70 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 351 homes. As of FY26, 35 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY21 to FY25), an average of 0.4 people moved to Bulleen for each dwelling built, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand and supporting potential population growth. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $835,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $8.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Bulleen's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bulleen has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns despite recent slowing building activity. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend towards denser development appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's current housing composition of 80.0% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options. Bulleen has a low density, with around 222 people per approval.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch projects Bulleen to grow by 767 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond projections.

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

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 20 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include North East Link, Manningham Road Interchange, Bulleen Park Sports Upgrade, and Yarra Link Green Bridge. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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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 5.5% as of December 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%. By December 2025, the unemployment rate had risen to 6.3%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Bulleen was 62.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 34.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade shows 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%.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, and labour force grew by 2.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 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 extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Bulleen's median taxpayer income in FY2023 was $51,305. The average was $74,606. These figures are high nationally and compare to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $56,241 (median) and $81,783 (average), based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023. In the 2021 Census, Bulleen's household income ranked at the 54th percentile ($1,814 weekly), with personal income at the 36th percentile. Income brackets showed that 27.8% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remained for other expenses. Bulleen's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

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

Bulleen's dwelling structure, 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 67.9% 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, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bulleen was $459, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bulleen's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 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 making up 10.5% and certificates 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 living within 188 meters of the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 87% of residents, while buses are used by 7%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Bulleen, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 34.2% of residents work from home, potentially due to 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. Approximately 6608 people had private health cover, around 56% of the total population. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (8.0%) and mental health issues (5.4%). 72.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's figure. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Bulleen had 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2888 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors were strong, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (16.5%), Italian (16.4%), and Australian (12.5%).

These percentages are significantly higher than the regional averages of 6.5%, 5.2%, and 18.4% respectively. Notably, Greek (10.4%) is overrepresented in Bulleen compared to the regional average of 2.7%. Macedonian and Croatian ancestry also show higher representation at 1.2% and 1.1% respectively, compared to their regional averages of 0.7%.

Bulleen hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Bulleen is 45 years, 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 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 85 and above grew from 4.6% to 5.9%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the age group of 45-54 decreased from 13.8% to 12.6%, and the 75-84 group fell from 9.6% to 8.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bulleen's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 1,499 people from the previous figure of 1,197. Notably, combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting Bulleen's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.