Donvale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Donvale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

By Nov 2025, Donvale's population is estimated at around 13,090. This reflects a growth of 446 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,644. AreaSearch validated this estimate using ABS ERP data from Jun 2024 and additional new addresses since the Census date. The estimated resident population was 13,089, resulting in a density ratio of 1,119 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovers areas, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. By 2041, Donvale is projected to increase by 828 persons, reflecting a total gain of 5.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Donvale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Donvale shows an average of 42 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25214 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to approximately 0.1 new residents arriving per new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $891,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, there have been $18.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Building activity is predominantly medium and high-density housing (52%), with standalone homes making up 48%. This shift from the current housing mix of 87% houses reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands.

Donvale has a population density of around 380 people per approval, indicating a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Donvale is expected to grow by 768 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Donvale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of twenty projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Parque Townhomes, Donvale Indoor Sports Centre Masterplan, 1-15 Andersons Creek Road Mixed Use Development, and Mullum Creek Eco Development. The following list details those 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.

Employment conditions in Donvale demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Donvale has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 6,640 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 59.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence with 2.6% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Employment levels increased by 1.3% and labour force increased by 0.7% in Donvale during the year to June 2025, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Donvale's employment mix, local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Donvale had a median taxpayer income of $49,008 and an average income of $79,043. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,192 (median) and $88,655 (average), based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census ranks Donvale's household income at the 72nd percentile ($2,100 weekly) and personal income at the 42nd percentile. Among its population of 12,739, 27.4% (3,586 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.8% in this category. Notably, 35.5% of residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and residents rank within the 75th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Donvale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Donvale, as per the latest Census, 86.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 13.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Donvale stood at 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.3% and rented ones at 16.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $450 compared to Melbourne metro's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Donvale's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Donvale features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 2.7 people

Family households account for 78.5% of all households, including 41.9% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.5%, consisting of 20.0% lone person households and 1.4% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people.

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

Educational attainment in Donvale is notably high, with 41.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational pathways account for 24.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 13.5%.

Educational participation is also high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education. Donvale has a robust network of schools, with approximately 7 operating within the area, educating around 3,571 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1094. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools, 3 secondary schools, and 2 K-12 schools. Donvale offers strong educational infrastructure, with 27.3 school places per 100 residents, serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Analysis of public transport in Donvale shows 57 active transport stops operating within the area, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 individual routes that collectively facilitate 3,770 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 300 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 538 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Donvale is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Donvale exhibits superior health outcomes among both young and elderly cohorts, with low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 58% of its total population of 7,594 have private health cover, indicating a significantly higher rate compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions in Donvale are arthritis (affecting 7.7% of residents) and asthma (impacting 5.9%). Notably, 71.4% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, which is notably higher than the 0% reported across Greater Melbourne as a whole. The area has a considerable elderly population, with 24.9%, or 3,259 individuals, aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors in Donvale are particularly commendable, closely mirroring those of the general population's health profile.

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

Donvale's cultural diversity is notable, with 37.4% of its population born overseas and 35.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Donvale, comprising 53.2% of the population. Judaism is overrepresented in Donvale, making up 0.2% compared to none across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.5%), Australian (17.3%), and Chinese (16.6%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Italians comprise 7.1%, Greeks 4.0%, and Sri Lankans 0.6% of Donvale's population, compared to none regionally.

Donvale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Donvale is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donvale has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (9.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 12.1% to 13.2%, while the population aged 45-54 declined from 14.4% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Donvale's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 79%, reaching 1,173 people from 654. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.