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

As of May 2026, the population of Donnybrook (Vic.) is estimated to be around 10,229 people. This figure represents a significant increase from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,100 people in the suburb. The growth can be attributed to various factors, including interstate migration contributing approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Other drivers such as natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles. According to AreaSearch's analysis, which incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, the suburb experienced a remarkable growth rate of 387.1% since the 2021 Census. This growth exceeds both state (9.3%) and national averages, positioning Donnybrook as a growth leader in its region.

The population density ratio stands at 363 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. Looking ahead, AreaSearch predicts exceptional growth for the suburb over the period from 2021 to 2041, with an anticipated expansion of 26,066 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This projection reflects a total gain of 252.5% over the 16-year span.

The level of residential development activity in Donnybrook was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Donnybrook shows around 841 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 4,206 homes. As of FY-26715 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 new residents arrive annually per new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $361,000.

This financial year has seen $38.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook has 1841.0% more new home approvals per capita. Building activity is predominantly detached houses at 93.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around seven people per dwelling approval, Donnybrook exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 25,824 residents by 2041, suggesting that current development rates should comfortably meet demand and support potential growth beyond current projections.

Population forecasts indicate Donnybrook will gain 25,824 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population 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 18 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Matilda Donnybrook, DB910 Business Park, Olivine by Mirvac, and Donnybrook Road Development. The following list details those likely to be 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 has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of a certain period, with estimated employment growth of 18.3% over the past year. As of December 2025, 5725 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Donnybrook was 80.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 24.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. Donnybrook has a particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 18.3%, labour force increased by 20.2%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that Donnybrook's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolations from industry-specific 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 that median income in Donnybrook is $64,739 and average income is $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 since financial year 2023, current estimates for Donnybrook would be approximately $70,967 (median) and $87,169 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Donnybrook between the 78th and 79th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 49.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. High housing costs consume 20.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Donnybrook, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 98.4% houses and 1.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Donnybrook was at 4.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 73.5% and rented dwellings at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of June 2021, was $2,100. The median weekly rent figure for Donnybrook was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Donnybrook's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed 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 make up 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, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6 people.

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

Educational attainment in Donnybrook is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 39.8% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.9% in the SA3 area and 30.4% nationally. University graduates make up 24.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.3% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 15.5% and certificates for 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

Public transport analysis shows 18 active transport stops operating within Donnybrook. These include a mix of train and bus services. Seven individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 1957 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited with residents typically located 616 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, while train accounts for 7%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 24.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 279 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Donnybrook is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Donnybrook shows better-than-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 58% (~5,953 people) of the total population has private health cover, a rate found to be very high. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.3 and 4.8% of residents respectively. 84.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 6.3% (644 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those for 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 percent born overseas and 59.6 percent speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 35.5 percent of Donnybrook's population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category makes up 21.5 percent, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3 percent.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 29.0 percent, followed by Indian at 18.2 percent and English at 14.1 percent. These figures are substantially higher, notably lower, or notably different from regional averages respectively. Specifically, Filipino (3.9% vs 1.3%), Samoan (1.4% vs 0.3%), and Macedonian (0.7%) groups show notable overrepresentation in Donnybrook compared to regional figures.

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

Donnybrook has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (20.8%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.0%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.3%. Between the 2021 Census and now, residents have aged on average by 2.7 years, with the median age increasing from 30 to 33. Specifically, the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 6.6% to 9.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 31.4% to 21.2%, and the 0 to 4 age group has dropped from 11.7% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Donnybrook's age profile will change significantly. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 5,161 people (243%) from 2,127 to 7,289.