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 Camberwell (Vic.) was estimated at approximately 23,118 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses. This figure reflects an increase of 1,153 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,965. The estimated resident population (ERP) of 22,950, as of June 2024 ABS data release, and additional validated new addresses contributed to this growth. This results in a density ratio of approximately 3,045 persons per square kilometer, placing Camberwell in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 5.2% since the Census is within 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.9%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by ABS data. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth nationally, with Camberwell expected to grow by approximately 440 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of about 0.9% over the 17-year period.

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 in Camberwell shows an average annual total of 107 new dwelling approvals over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 538 homes. In FY-26 so far, 33 approvals have been recorded. Despite a fall in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction value of new properties is $1,321,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment. Commercial development approvals totalled $20.7 million in FY-26, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Camberwell has 14.0% lower construction activity per person, placing it among the 61st percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 60.0% houses.

Camberwell shows characteristics of a low density area, with around 242 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate an addition of 217 residents by 2041, indicating that at current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects 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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AreaSearch analysis reveals Camberwell significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Camberwell has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 2.4% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of June 2025, 12,991 residents are employed at a 2.3% lower unemployment rate than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical employment is high, with a share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented at 5.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, while the labour force grew by 3.0%, keeping unemployment stable. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Camberwell's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Camberwell's median income among taxpayers is $62,029 and average income stands at $115,077, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $69,572 (median) and $129,070 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Camberwell, between the 82nd and 89th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $4000+ bracket dominates with 32.8% of residents (7,582 people), differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.8%. The substantial proportion of high earners (43.3% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 90th percentile for disposable income and 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 60.3% houses and 39.7% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 55.5% houses and 44.5% others. Home ownership in Camberwell stood at 43.7%, with mortgaged properties at 30.1% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $486, compared to Melbourne metro's $3,000 and $451 respectively. Nationally, Camberwell's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Camberwell has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.0% of all households, consisting of 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, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Camberwell is notably high, with 56.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 making up 9.9% and certificates 7.5%. Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.2% in tertiary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 8.3% pursuing primary education.

There are six schools operating within Camberwell, educating approximately 3,666 students as of the latest available data. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1141. Educational provision is conventional, split between three primary and three secondary institutions.

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

Camberwell has 142 active public transport stops. These include train, light rail, and bus services operating on 10 routes. The total weekly passenger trips across these routes is 5,593.

Residents have good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 201 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 799 trips per day, resulting in approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Camberwell is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Camberwell shows better-than-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 72% of its total population of 16,658 has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 77.7% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Camberwell are arthritis (6.8%) and asthma (6.6%), while 72.3% of residents report having no medical ailments.

This is slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 73.8%. Camberwell has a higher proportion of seniors, with 22.0% of its population aged 65 and over (5,085 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Camberwell are strong and generally align with the overall population's health profile.

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, born overseas, stood at 32.3%. Language spoken at home other than English was 26.7%. Christianity was the predominant religion with 46.2%.

Judaism's representation in Camberwell was 0.6%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 0.9%. Top three ancestral groups were English (23.4%), Australian (18.3%), and Chinese (11.6%). French, Sri Lankan, and Greek groups showed notable divergences: French at 0.8% vs regional 0.6%, Sri Lankan at 0.8% vs 0.7%, and Greek at 3.2% vs 3.4%.

Camberwell hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 15-24 make up 15.7% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise 10.9%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 14.1% to 15.7%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.9% to 13.1%. 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 61%, from 901 to 1,451. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 96% of total population growth. Conversely, the populations aged 35-44 and 25-34 are expected to decline.