Eltham North

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's analysis, as of Nov 2025, Eltham North statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 6,847. This reflects a rise from the 2021 Census figure of 6,830 people, indicating an increase of 17 residents (0.2%). AreaSearch's estimation of resident population in Jun 2024 was 6,759, with an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this rise. This results in a density ratio of 1,703 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 69% of overall population gains recently.

Adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022, AreaSearch anticipates above median growth for statistical areas nationally by 2041. Eltham North (SA2) is projected to grow by 1,384 persons by then, reflecting an increase of 19.8% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Eltham North is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Eltham North has recorded approximately three residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 17 homes were approved, with another three approved so far in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting new supply is meeting demand.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $812,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. In FY-26, $531,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, showing minimal commercial development activity. Building activity consists of 50% detached houses and 50% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 98% houses. This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Eltham North has an established market with approximately 2719 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 1,352 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects are St Helena Place, Nillumbik Play Space Renewal Projects, Eltham and Diamond Creek Major Activity Centres Structure Plans, and Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham). 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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The exceptional employment performance in Eltham North places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Eltham North has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.

Over the past year, there has been relative employment stability. As of September 2025, 4,081 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is high at 70.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Education & training has a particularly strong presence with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Accommodation & food has limited presence at 3.6%, compared to 6.4% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force increased by 0.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced higher growth rates. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eltham North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's aggregated latest postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Eltham North had a median taxpayer income of $64,225 and an average of $86,301. These figures are among Australia's highest, compared to Greater Melbourne's $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. With an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,524 (median) and $93,421 (average). The 2021 Census places Eltham North's household, family, and personal incomes between the 81st and 94th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 30.3% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% fall within this range. Eltham North's affluence is evident with 45.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of income, indicating strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Eltham North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong rates of outright home ownership

Eltham North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Home ownership in Eltham North stood at 44.5%, with 49.2% of dwellings mortgaged and 6.2% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, and the median weekly rent was $512. Nationally, Eltham North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Eltham North features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 3.0 people

Family households constitute 90.1% of all households, including 52.8% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 9.9%, with lone person households at 9.3% and group households making up 0.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people.

Eltham North demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 38.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 19.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Eltham North has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 2,037 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 264 meters.

On average, there are 291 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 92 weekly trips per individual stop.

Eltham North's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis shows Eltham North's health metrics were consistently high with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 61% of total population (4,166 people), compared to national average of 55.7%.

Common medical conditions included asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.8 and 7.2% respectively. 72.4% reported no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 0%. The area had 18.3% residents aged 65 and over (1,253 people). Health outcomes among seniors were notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Eltham North records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Eltham North's population was found to be roughly aligned with the broader region in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.1% born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 89.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Eltham North, comprising 47.2% of its population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Macedonian (1.1%) and Italian (7.0%) groups were overrepresented in Eltham North compared to regional averages of None%.

Eltham North's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Eltham North is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 15.0% of the population, compared to a lower prevalence of the 25-34 cohort at 7.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 3.6% to 5.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 12.7% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 8.5% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Eltham North. Notably, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by 31%, adding 320 people and reaching a total of 1,348 from the previous 1,027. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort is expected to decline by 7 people.