Bundoora (Vic.)

Bundoora has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Bundoora (Vic.) is estimated at around 31,002 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,934 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 28,068 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 30,890 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 127 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,776 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bundoora's growth rate of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 15,922 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 50.9% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Bundoora when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data in Bundoora, shows an average of around 74 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 373 homes. As of FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), there has been an average of 1.8 new residents per year arriving for each new home, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this ratio has intensified to 15.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $441,000, which is slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $62.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. In terms of new development, 29.0% consists of standalone homes while 71.0% are townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing which is currently 76.0% houses. This indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

Bundoora has around 427 people per approval, indicating a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bundoora is projected to add 15,788 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 51 projects that may affect the area. Notable ones include M80 Ring Road Completion, Research and Development Centre, Uni Hill Factory Outlets Stage 3A, and 149 McKimmies Road Residential Precinct. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

The employment environment in Bundoora shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Bundoora has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year. There were 17,417 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 66.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, a high 25.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Professional & technical services employed only 7.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1% while labour force increased by 0.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bundoora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Bundoora is $48,842, with an average of $60,926, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bundoora would be approximately $52,871 (median) and $65,952 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,668 weekly), while personal income sits at the 26th percentile. Distribution data shows that 32.6% of residents (10,106 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Bundoora, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.9% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This differs from Melbourne metropolitan area's composition of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundoora stood at 37.9%, higher than Melbourne metro's level. The majority of non-owned dwellings were mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (28.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $381 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bundoora's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Bundoora features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 70.8% of all households, including 33.3% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for 29.2%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

University qualification levels in Bundoora are at 32.8%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 27.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 16.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in tertiary education, 7.1% in primary education, and 7.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Bundoora has 134 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes, collectively facilitating 11,862 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents located an average of 285 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, while train usage stands at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 25.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,694 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 88 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Bundoora's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Bundoora shows positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national averages.

Common health conditions are relatively low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is found to be 51% of the total population (~15,798 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.4 and 7.2% of residents respectively. 71.6% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Bundoora has a higher proportion of seniors, with 18.0% aged 65 and over (5,580 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Bundoora's cultural diversity is notable, with 39.5% of its population born overseas and 44.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bundoora, with 53.1%. Buddhism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.5% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (15.4%), Australian (15.2%), and Other (12.4%). Some ethnic groups show significant divergences: Macedonian at 4.0% (regional average is 0.7%), Italian at 10.1% (versus regional 5.2%), and Greek at 5.3% (compared to regional 2.7%).

Bundoora's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Bundoora has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The proportion of residents aged 15-24 is strong at 19.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne but lower for the 35-44 cohort at 11.4%. This 15-24 concentration is notably above the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 15.8% to 19.2%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 15.7% to 17.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.9% to 10.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 9.6% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bundoora's age structure, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow by 50%, reaching 7,915 people from its current total of 5,270.