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

By Feb 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population of Donnybrook (Vic.) at around 8,932, reflecting a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,100 people. This growth of 6,832 people represents a rise of 325.3%, which is notably higher than both the national average of 9.9% and the state's growth rate during this period. The current population density stands at approximately 317 persons per square kilometer. AreaSearch's estimation is based on the resident population of 7,587 as of June 2024, derived from ABS ERP data, along with an additional 3,975 validated new addresses since the Census date. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 88% of overall population gains. For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2-level projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, they utilize the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Based on these aggregated projections, Donnybrook (Vic.) is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to reach 33,799 persons, marking a total gain of 263.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Donnybrook shows approximately 841 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 4,206 homes were approved, with an additional 572 approved so far in FY-26. The average population growth per dwelling built over the past five financial years was 0.4 people.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. Average construction value of new properties is $361,000. This year, $38.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook has 2533.0% more building activity per person. Building activity has slowed in recent years but remains substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location.

New building activity comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 3 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts estimate Donnybrook will gain 23,522 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 20 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Matilda Donnybrook, DB910 Business Park, Olivine by Mirvac, and Donnybrook Road Development. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Donnybrook remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Donnybrook has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.6%. As of December 2025, 1,917 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 35.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 24.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing sectors. The area had a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, and labour force grew by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Donnybrook. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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. 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 for Donnybrook would be 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 that 49.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with metropolitan region's 32.8%. 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 6th decile.

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

In Donnybrook, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Donnybrook stood at 4.8%, while mortgaged dwellings accounted for 73.5% and rented ones for 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, surpassing Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent in Donnybrook was recorded at $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Donnybrook's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and 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, residents aged 15 and above have a notably higher educational attainment compared to broader benchmarks. Specifically, 39.8% of residents possess university qualifications, surpassing the SA3 area's 25.9% and Australia's 30.4%. This significant educational advantage indicates strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Among university-qualified residents in Donnybrook, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas (15.5%) and certificates (20.8%). Educational participation in Donnybrook is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis shows 18 active stops operating within Donnybrook. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 7 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 1,957 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 commutes are outward-bound. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, with train use at 7%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 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.

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 shows Donnybrook residents have relatively positive health outcomes.

AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions broadly align with national benchmarks. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher in older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. 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. 84.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 5.7% of residents aged 65 and over (509 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 a population where 50.3% were born overseas, with 59.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 35.5%. The 'Other' category comprises 21.5%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is highest at 29.0%, followed by Indian at 18.2% and English at 14.1%. Notably, Filipino (3.9%), Samoan (1.4%), and Macedonian (0.7%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.3%, 0.3%, and 0.7% respectively.

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 (20.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.1%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, residents have aged by an average of 2.6 years, with the median age rising from 30 to 33. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group has increased from 6.6% to 9.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 9.5% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 31.4% to 21.3%, and the 0 to 4 age group has dropped from 11.7% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Donnybrook's age profile, with the 35 to 44 age cohort expected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 4,823 people (258%) from 1,866 to 6,690.