Camberwell (Vic.)

Camberwell 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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Camberwell (Vic.) is around 23,237. This represents an increase of 1,272 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,965. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 23,185 in June 2025, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 250 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,061 persons per square kilometer, placing Camberwell in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 5.8% since the census is within 0.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.6%. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Camberwell 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 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. According to these projections, the suburb is anticipated to expand by 390 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.4% in total over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Camberwell averaged around 123 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 617 homes. As of FY-2026, 89 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,274,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

Additionally, $21.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Camberwell's construction activity per person is comparable, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 60.0% houses. With around 206 people per dwelling approval, Camberwell shows characteristics of a low density area.

Future projections estimate Camberwell adding 338 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Camberwell 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 31 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Highfield Park Residential Estate, Glyndon Residences, Camberwell House, and Camberwell Junction Activity Centre Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Camberwell well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Camberwell has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%.

As of December 2025, 13,059 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Camberwell was 67.5%, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses showed that 49.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, but has lower representation in construction (5.1% vs regional average of 9.7%). Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9%, labour force grew by 2.4%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. 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, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Camberwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, the suburb of Camberwell had a median income among taxpayers of $62,035 and an average income of $114,931. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Camberwell would be approximately $68,003 (median) and $125,987 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Camberwell rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 89th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. In terms of income distribution, 32.8% of individuals in Camberwell earn over $4,000 per week, unlike regional trends where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. This affluence is reflected in premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income, with residents ranking highly for disposable income at the 90th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Camberwell displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Camberwell's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 60.3% houses and 39.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 60.3% houses and 39.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Camberwell stood at 43.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.1% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Camberwell was $486, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Camberwell's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 73.0% of all households, including 36.6% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational achievement in Camberwell places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Camberwell's educational attainment exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 56.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are most common at 34.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4%, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 7.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in tertiary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 8.3% pursuing primary education.

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

Camberwell has 142 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 14 routes that facilitate 8,854 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 204 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of travel at 77%, followed by train at 11% and walking at 5%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 49.9%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,264 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 62 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map illustrates the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Camberwell's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Camberwell. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, with younger cohorts showing very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population (16,730 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.8 and 6.6% of residents respectively. 72.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (5,088 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Camberwell was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Camberwell, surveyed in June 2016, exhibited significant cultural diversity: 32.3% of its population were born overseas, while 26.7% spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 46.2%. Judaism, though small, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne (0.6% vs 1.0%).

Ancestry-wise, top groups in Camberwell were English (23.4%), Australian (18.3%), and Chinese (11.6%), notably higher than regional averages for Chinese. Other ethnicities with notable differences included French (0.8% vs 0.5%), Sri Lankan (0.8% vs 0.8%), and Greek (3.2% vs 2.7%).

Camberwell hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Camberwell is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 years make up 8.0% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years constitute 11.7%. Since 2021, the percentage of people aged 15-24 has increased from 14.1% to 15.7%, and the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.8% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Camberwell's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to rise by 501 individuals (57%), from 883 to 1,385. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 85% of total population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.