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 Nov 2025, Donnybrook's population is estimated at around 11,028 people. This reflects an increase of 8,928 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,100 people in the suburb of Donnybrook (Vic.). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,531 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 3,975 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 391 persons per square kilometer. Donnybrook's growth rate of 425.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Exceptional future growth is predicted, placing the suburb among the top 10 percent nationally, expected to expand by 8,060 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 4.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Donnybrook has experienced around 884 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 4,424 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), which ends on June 30, 2026458 approvals have been recorded. On average, over these past 5 years, 0.4 new residents per year arrived per new home.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes being built in Donnybrook over this period was $361,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial approvals, $40.3 million has been registered in FY-26, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook records 2674.0% more building activity per person as of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area.

Of the new building activity, 93.0% consists of 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 473 residents through to 2041 based on 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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Matilda Donnybrook, DB910 Business Park, Olivine by Mirvac, and Stockland Cloverton. 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 indicates Donnybrook maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Donnybrook has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of June 2025, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment grew by an estimated 2.8% over the past year. Workforce participation is higher than Greater Melbourne's at 70.5%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with a share of employment 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5% and labour force by 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) 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 this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Donnybrook's median income at $64,739 and average income at $79,519. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $72,611 and average income $89,189. Census 2021 data ranks Donnybrook's household, family, and personal incomes between the 78th and 79th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band includes 49.4% of individuals (5,447), similar to Melbourne'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

The latest Census evaluation of Donnybrook's dwelling structures showed 98.4% houses and 1.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), 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 was $2,100, higher than Melbourne metro's $1,900. The median weekly rent figure in Donnybrook was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Donnybrook's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were exceeding the national figure of $375 at $401.

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, 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

Educational attainment in Donnybrook is notably higher than broader averages. 39.8% of residents aged 15 and above possess university qualifications, compared to 25.9% in the SA3 area and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most common at 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. Two schools serve the area: Hume Anglican Grammar - Donnybrook Campus and Donnybrook Primary School, with a total of 324 students. The area has balanced educational opportunities, indicated by an ICSEA score of 1034. However, local school capacity is limited at 2.9 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 13.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 16 active stops operating within Donnybrook, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 11 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,561 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically situated 623 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 508 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 222 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Donnybrook's health outcomes data shows notable results across both younger and older age cohorts. The prevalence of common health conditions is evident in this area.

Approximately 58% of Donnybrook's total population (6,418 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 49.8%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.3 and 4.8% of residents respectively. 84.3% of Donnybrook residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, 0.8% of Donnybrook's residents are aged 65 and over (88 people), which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 13.2%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, specific challenges faced by this cohort were not detailed in the report from June 2021.

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% of its residents born overseas and 59.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Donnybrook, comprising 35.5% of the population. However, the category 'Other' is significantly overrepresented, making up 21.5% of Donnybrook's population compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (29.0%), Indian (18.2%), and English (14.1%). Notably, Filipino (3.9%) Samoan (1.4%), and Macedonian (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Donnybrook's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donnybrook has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (29.5%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 20% to 21.6%, while the proportions for those aged 45-54 and 55-64 have decreased to 4% and 2.3% respectively. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Donnybrook's age profile, with the 45-54 age group projected to increase by 61%, from 441 to 710 people. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 25-34 years.