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

The population of the suburb of Camberwell (Vic.) is estimated at around 23,595 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,630 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,965 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 23,392 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 238 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,108 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Camberwell's growth rate of 7.4% since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration 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. Moving forward, lower quartile growth is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 426 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 1.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Camberwell 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 Camberwell averaged around 123 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years to June 2021. This totals an estimated 619 homes. As of July 2022, 71 approvals have been recorded in FY-26. Despite population decline, 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 $1,272,000, indicating developer focus on the premium segment. In this financial year, $21.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Camberwell shows comparable construction activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 43.0% detached houses and 57.0% attached dwellings, 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), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles.

With around 201 people per dwelling approval, Camberwell shows characteristics of a growth area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Camberwell may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Bulleen to Springvale Road, Highfield Park Residential Estate, Glyndon Residences, and Camberwell House. 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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Employment conditions in Camberwell demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Camberwell has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of September 2025, 12,981 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 66.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 49.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Professional & technical services showed notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction had lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force by 2.5%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Melbourne experienced higher growth rates during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Camberwell. National employment is projected 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 Camberwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows Camberwell's median taxpayer income is $62,035 with an average of $114,931. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,153 (median) and $124,413 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Camberwell rank between the 82nd and 89th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.8% of individuals earn over $4,000 per week, unlike regional trends where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. This indicates significant affluence in Camberwell, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income, with residents ranking highly in disposable income at the 90th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it within the 10th decile.

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

Camberwell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 60.3% houses and 39.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Camberwell was $486, compared to 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 make up 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, matching 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 has notably higher educational attainment than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 56.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4% of qualifications, 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, 9.0% in secondary, and 8.3% in 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 stops are served by 14 different routes, collectively facilitating 8,854 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living within 204 meters of the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 77%, while trains account for 11% and walking makes up 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 daily across all routes, equating to approximately 62 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays 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

Camberwell's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, especially among younger cohorts. Approximately 72% of Camberwell's total population (16,988 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.8%) and asthma (6.6%). Around 72.3% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Camberwell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.8% (5,379 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. 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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 32.3% born overseas and 26.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Camberwell, comprising 46.2% of its population. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.6%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestral groups were English (23.4%), Australian (18.3%), and Chinese (11.6%), which exceeded the regional average of 6.5%. Notably, French (0.8%) was overrepresented in Camberwell compared to the region's 0.5%, while Sri Lankan representation remained similar at 0.8%. Greek representation was also higher than the regional average at 3.2% versus 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 make up 8.3% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 14.1% to 15.9%, while those aged 75-84 have risen from 6.8% to 8.3%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.9% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Camberwell's age structure will shift significantly. The number of individuals aged 85 and above is projected to rise by 502 people (53%), from 943 to 1,446. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ are expected to account for 94% of total population growth. Conversely, the populations of those aged 0-4 and 25-34 are projected to decline.