Donnybrook (Vic.)

Donnybrook lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Donnybrook's population is estimated at around 8,932 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 6,832 people (325.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,100 people in the suburb of Donnybrook (Vic.). The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,587 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 3,975 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 317 persons per square kilometer. Donnybrook's growth exceeded the national average (9.9%) since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to grow by 8,183 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 30.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Donnybrook among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates that Donnybrook has seen approximately 841 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 4,206 homes have been approved, with an additional 528 approved so far in FY-26. This suggests that the average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years is approximately 0.4.

New properties are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $361,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals have totalled $38.9 million, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. When compared to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook has seen 2544.0% more building activity per person. This level of activity is significantly higher than national averages, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. The new building activity comprises approximately 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

Based on current development patterns and population forecasts, Donnybrook is expected to gain around 2,691 residents by 2041. Given these projections, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Donnybrook has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Matilda Donnybrook, DB910 Business Park, Olivine by Mirvac, and Donnybrook Road Development. The following list details those considered most 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Donnybrook maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Donnybrook's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of September 2025, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%.

As of September 2025, 1,916 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation in Donnybrook was 39.4%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A moderate 24.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Donnybrook showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (2.2 times the regional level) but lower representation in professional & technical services (6.3% vs regional average of 10.1%). Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force by 3.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Donnybrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Donnybrook is $64,739 and average income is $79,519. This compares to 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 Donnybrook are approximately $70,080 (median) and $86,079 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family and personal incomes in Donnybrook between the 78th and 79th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 49.4% of individuals earn $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with metropolitan region's 32.8%. High housing costs consume 20.1% of income, placing disposable income at the 72nd percentile and SEIFA income ranking in the 6th decile.

Donnybrook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Donnybrook, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 98.4% houses and 1.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metropolitan area's structure which comprised 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Donnybrook stood at 4.8%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 73.5% and rented ones making up 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of 2016, was $2,100, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Donnybrook was recorded at $401 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Donnybrook's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Donnybrook features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 86.6% of all households, including 48.3% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 13.4%, with lone person households at 10.5% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Donnybrook shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Donnybrook, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is notably higher at 39.8%, compared to the broader SA3 area's 25.9% and Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is led by bachelor degrees, held by 24.6% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.3% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (15.5%) and certificates (20.8%). Educational participation is high in the area, with 34.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (13.4%), tertiary education (6.4%), and secondary education (4.9%).

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

Donnybrook has 18 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 7 different routes that facilitate 1,957 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have limited access to transport, with an average distance of 616 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 91%, while train usage stands at 7%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.6, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 279 trips per day, equating to approximately 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

Donnybrook'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 Donnybrook residents shows positive outcomes overall.

Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to the national average. Private health cover is very high, with approximately 58% of the total population (~5,198 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.3% and 4.8% of residents respectively. A total of 84.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Donnybrook has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 1.0% (89 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Donnybrook has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 50.3% born overseas and 59.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 35.5% of Donnybrook's population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 21.5%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' leads with 29.0%, surpassing the regional average of 14.6%. Indian ancestry is also prominent at 18.2%, exceeding the regional average of 4.2%. English ancestry, however, is notably lower at 14.1% compared to the regional average of 20.1%. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Filipino (3.9% vs regional 1.3%), Samoan (1.4% vs regional 0.3%), and Macedonian (0.7% vs regional 0.7%).

Donnybrook hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Donnybrook's median age at 30 years is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (28.7%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (2.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 20.0% to 22.1% of Donnybrook's population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 31.4% to 28.7%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 6.6% to 4.2%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Donnybrook's age profile will change significantly, with the 35 to 44 age cohort projected to grow steadily, increasing by 642 people (33%) from 1,973 to 2,616.