Donvale

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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Donvale statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 12,891 people. This reflects an increase of 247 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,644 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,870 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,102 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Donvale (SA2) is expected to expand by 872 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 7.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Donvale, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Donvale recorded approximately 38 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 190 homes. As of FY26, five approvals have been recorded. The average new resident per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 is 0.1.

New construction pace matches or exceeds demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could surpass current expectations. Average construction value is $893,000, indicating focus on premium market developments. Commercial approvals this financial year total $15.4 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. New development comprises 46% standalone homes and 54% medium to high-density housing.

This shift from the current 87% houses reflects reduced development site availability and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Donvale has approximately 539 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Population forecasts estimate Donvale will gain 1011 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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 20 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones 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.

Donvale ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Donvale has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 6,683 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.7 percentage points lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Donvale was somewhat below standard at 59.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing showed lower representation at 2.6% versus the regional average of 5.2%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force increased by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Donvale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Donvale is $49,205 and average income stands at $79,057. 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, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $53,264 and estimated average income is around $85,579. Census data reveals that household income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($2,100 weekly) and personal income sits at the 42nd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 27.4% of Donvale's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, mirroring the region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 35.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income and strong earnings rank residents 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 strong rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluation in Donvale showed 86.8% houses and 13.3% other dwellings. Home ownership was at 45.6%, with 38.3% of dwellings mortgaged and 16.1% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500 and the median weekly rent was $450. Nationally, Donvale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 21.5%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 1.4%. 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

Donvale's residents aged 15+ have a high level of educational attainment, with 41.5% holding university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 24.5%, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 13.5%. Educational participation is 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.

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

Analysis shows 57 active public transport stops in Donvale, served by a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 10 individual routes, offering 1,872 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents usually located 300 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 267 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 32 weekly trips per 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 shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 58% (~7,479 individuals) have private health cover, the highest rate in the area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 7.7%) and asthma (5.9%), while 71.4% claim to be free from any ailments, compared to Melbourne's average of 0%. About 24.8% (~3,196 people) are aged 65 or over. Seniors' health outcomes align closely with the general population's profile.

Donvale was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Donvale has high cultural diversity, with 37.4% of its population born overseas and 35.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Donvale, comprising 53.2%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.5%), Australian (17.3%), and Chinese (16.6%). Italian (7.1%), Greek (4.0%), and Sri Lankan (0.6%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Donvale compared to the regional averages.

Donvale hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Donvale is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donvale has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (9.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 12.1% to 13.2%, while the 45-54 age group decreased 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 83%, reaching 1,181 people from 644. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.