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 to be 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. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 30,890 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 127 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,776 persons per square kilometer, which is above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Bundoora's population growth of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections for Bundoora are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period to 2041, with the suburb expected to increase by 15,948 persons, reflecting a gain of 51.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Bundoora averaged approximately 74 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 371 homes. As of FY26, 26 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home has been around 1.8 per year between FY21 and FY25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand in the market. However, this figure has intensified to 15.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $441,000, slightly above the regional average.

In FY26, there have been $62.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. The new development consists of 29% standalone homes and 71% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 76% houses. Bundoora indicates a mature market with around 433 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bundoora is projected to add approximately 15,836 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 has identified 51 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 projects most relevant to the area.

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

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The labour market in Bundoora demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Bundoora has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of December 2025. This figure is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Employment grew by an estimated 1.2% over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 17,525 residents were employed, with a participation rate of 66.8%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A significant proportion, 25.3%, worked from home according to Census responses, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Professional & technical services employed just 7.7% of local workers, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, while the labour force grew by 1.3%, keeping unemployment broadly stable at 3.4%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a slight rise in unemployment to 5.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bundoora. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Bundoora had a median taxpayer income of $48,842 and an average of $60,926 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne's median income being $57,688 and average income $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,871 (median) and $65,952 (average), based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census figures show household income ranked at the 45th percentile ($1,668 weekly) and personal income at the 26th percentile. Distribution data indicates that 32.6% of residents (10,106 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, 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

Dwelling structure in Bundoora, as evaluated at the latest Census (2016), comprised 76.1% houses and 23.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundoora was 37.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented dwellings at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bundoora was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent in Bundoora was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bundoora's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households making up 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 stand at 32.8%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 20.9% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, at 9.3% and 2.6% respectively.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ having them; advanced diplomas account for 11.0%, while certificates make up 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

Public transport analysis indicates 134 active transport stops operating within Bundoora, consisting of a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 19 individual routes, collectively facilitating 11,862 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 285 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 85%, with train use accounting for 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, 25.3% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 1,694 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map illustrates 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, with mortality rates and health conditions aligning with national averages. Common health conditions are relatively uncommon among the general population but more prevalent among older, at-risk groups compared to national figures.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~15,798 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.4 and 7.2% of residents respectively. Overall, 71.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Bundoora has a higher proportion of seniors (18.1%, or 5,611 people) compared to Greater Melbourne (15.1%). 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 dominant religion in Bundoora, comprising 53.1% of people. However, Buddhism shows an overrepresentation at 4.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (15.4%), Australian (15.2%), and Other (12.4%). Notably, Macedonian (4.0%) is significantly more represented than the regional average of 0.7%. Similarly, Italian (10.1%) and Greek (5.3%) groups show higher representation compared to their respective regional averages of 5.2% and 2.7%.

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

Bundoora has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented at 19.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 12.5%. The 35-44 cohort makes up 11.4% of Bundoora's population, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 15.8% to 19.1%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 15.7% to 17.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.9% to 10.9%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 9.6% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bundoora's age structure, with the 25-34 group expected to grow by 50%, reaching 7,924 people from its current figure of 5,270.