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 analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for Eltham North, the suburb's estimated population is around 6840 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 10 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6830. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of resident population data, showing 6797 based on the latest Estimated Residential Population (ERP) data release by ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1701 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 69% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's forecasts for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the Victorian State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these aggregated SA2-level projections, Eltham North is expected to grow by 1385 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 19.9% 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 approved approximately 3 residential properties per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY21 and FY25, around 18 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved so far in FY26. The average construction cost value of new properties is $812,000, indicating a focus on the premium market.

In FY26, there have been $1.9 million in commercial approvals registered. New building activity consists of 50% detached houses and 50% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 98% houses. The location has approximately 1942 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Eltham North is expected to grow by 1360 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially impacting buyer competition and property prices.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 4 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these 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 provides details on those projects deemed 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 highly educated workforce with professional services being well-represented. The unemployment rate was 1.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In June 2025, 4,136 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 3.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Eltham North was 70.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, the area has a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services had limited presence, with only 3.6% employment compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with an increase in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, although growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Eltham North had a median income among taxpayers of $64,249. The average income stood at $86,284. These figures are among the highest in Australia and compare to median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since June 30, 2022, current estimates for Eltham North would be approximately $72,062 (median) and $96,776 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Eltham North rank highly nationally, between the 81st and 94th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 30.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,072 residents). This pattern is similar to the region where 32.8% occupy this income range. Eltham North demonstrates affluence with 45.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Eltham North, as recorded in the latest Census, 98.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.7% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In contrast, Melbourne metropolitan area had no houses or other dwelling types recorded at the time of the Census. Home ownership in Eltham North stood at 44.5%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 49.2% and rented properties accounting for 6.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, matching Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $512, compared to no recorded figures for Melbourne metro at that time. Nationally, Eltham North's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for the remaining 9.9%, with lone person households at 9.3% and group households comprising 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

Eltham North's educational profile is notable regionally. University qualification rates exceed Australian average at 38.7% of residents aged 15+, surpassing SA4 regional rate of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common (24.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.2% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (19.2%). Educational participation is high at 31.6%, comprising primary education (10.6%), secondary education (9.2%), and tertiary education (6.1%). The area's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,946 students. Eltham North demonstrates socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1103. Education provision is balanced with three primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. There are 43.1 school places per 100 residents, indicating strong educational infrastructure supporting both local and surrounding communities.

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 2,313 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average located 264 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 330 trips per day, which equates to about 105 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 of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Eltham North. Prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups.

Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (4,161 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.8 and 7.2% of residents respectively. 72.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,251 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than 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 cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, with 82.1% born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 89.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 47.2%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.8%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Macedonian (1.1%) and Italian (7.0%) are overrepresented, with Maltese also present at 1.1%.

Eltham North hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Eltham North is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.0% of the population, notably higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 7.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.6% to 5.3%, and the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.7% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 8.5% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic shifts in Eltham North. Notably, the 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 31%, adding 322 people, reaching a total of 1,348 from 1,026. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group is projected to decline by 7 people.