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

The Donnybrook (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 8,930 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,100 people. The growth of 6,830 people represents a 325.2% increase since the census date. AreaSearch estimated this resident population based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 3,975 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in the Donnybrook (Vic.) (SA2) as of November 2025 is approximately 317 persons per square kilometer. This level of density provides significant space per person and potential room for further development.

The Donnybrook (Vic.) (SA2)'s population growth since the 2021 Census has exceeded both national and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. The primary driver of this growth was 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on these aggregations and projections, exceptional growth is predicted for the Donnybrook (Vic.) (SA2) over the period from 2025 to 2041. The area is expected to grow by 8,190 persons during this time, reflecting a gain of 30.2% in total population 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, shows Donnybrook has seen approximately 841 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, around 4,206 homes have been approved, with an additional 528 approved so far in FY2026. On average, 0.4 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

This offers ample buyer choice and creates capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties is $361,000. In FY2026, $38.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook has 2546.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity in Donnybrook consists of 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 appealing to those seeking space.

With around 3 people per dwelling approval, Donnybrook shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Donnybrook will gain approximately 2,701 residents by 2041 (based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good 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 expected to impact the area. Notable initiatives include Matilda Donnybrook, DB910 Business Park, Olivine by Mirvac, and Donnybrook Road Development. The following list details those deemed most relevant.

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

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

Donnybrook has a highly educated workforce. Essential services sectors are well represented there.

The unemployment rate in Donnybrook is 4.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year. According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, as of September 2025, 1,925 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. The workforce participation in Donnybrook is higher at 70.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Transport, postal & warehousing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.3%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.8% while labour force increased by 3.7%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%. State-level data from Victoria up to 25-Nov shows employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Donnybrook. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Donnybrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

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 that income in Donnybrook is high nationally. The median income is $64,739 and the average income stands at $79,519. This contrasts with 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 would be approximately $70,080 (median) and $86,079 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Donnybrook, between the 78th and 79th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 49.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 20.1% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 72nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 98.4% houses and 1.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Donnybrook was at 4.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 73.5% and rented ones at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent figure in Donnybrook was recorded at $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.9.

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

In Donnybrook, 39.8% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the SA3 area's 25.9% and Australia's 30.4%. This high educational attainment is led by bachelor degrees (24.6%), 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, with 34.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.4% in primary education, 6.4% in tertiary education, and 4.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Donnybrook has 17 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 7 routes that collectively facilitate 1,957 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to these stops, with an average distance of 616 meters to the nearest one.

The service frequency is 279 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 115 weekly trips per stop.

Donnybrook's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health outcomes data shows notable results in Donnybrook, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 58%, or around 5,197 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 50.5%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.3% and 4.8% of residents respectively. About 84.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. Donnybrook has 0.8%, or 71 people, aged 65 and over, lower than the 13.2% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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 highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with 50.3% of its population born overseas and 59.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Donnybrook, accounting for 35.5% of the population. However, the most significant overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, which comprises 21.5% of the population, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Donnybrook are 'Other', representing 29.0% of the population (higher than the regional average of 17.4%), Indian at 18.2% (higher than the regional average of 6.2%), and English at 14.1%. Notably, Filipino, Samoan, and Macedonian ethnic groups are also overrepresented in Donnybrook compared to regional averages: Filipino at 3.9% vs 1.5%, Samoan at 1.4% vs 0.5%, and Macedonian at 0.7% vs 4.6%.

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

At 30 years, Donnybrook's median age is materially younger than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents at 29.4%, but fewer 45 - 54 year-olds at 4.0%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 20.0% to 21.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 6.6% to 4.0%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 4.5% to 2.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Donnybrook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 35 to 44 age cohort projected to grow steadily, expanding by 718 people (37%) from 1,928 to 2,647.