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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Eltham North is around 6,760, reflecting a decrease of 70 people since the 2021 Census. This decrease represents a 1.0% change from the previous population count of 6,830. The current resident population estimate of 6,758 is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025. This results in a population density ratio of 1,681 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for this suburb.

Population projections for Eltham North are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate significant growth in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with Eltham North expected to grow by 1,382 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.4% over the 16-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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 17 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY-26. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is meeting demand, providing buyers with good choices.

Developers focus on the premium market, with average construction costs of $812,000 for new properties. In FY-26, $531,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. New building activity is evenly split between detached houses and townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current 98% dominance of houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The location has approximately 2702 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Eltham North is expected to grow by 1380 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to affect the region: - St Helena Place - Nillumbik Play Space Renewal Projects - Eltham and Diamond Creek Major Activity Centres Structure Plans - Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham).

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 well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%. As of December 2025, 3,985 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 73.4%, slightly higher than the regional average of 69.9%. Notably, 39.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Eltham North showed strong specialization in education & training (1.3 times the regional level) but limited presence in accommodation & food services (3.6% vs 6.4%).

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, while labour force grew by 0.6%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw higher growth rates of 2.4% in employment and 2.8% in labour force, with a slight increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eltham North's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Eltham North had median taxpayer income of $64,225 and average income of $86,301. These are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 2023, estimated median income for Eltham North as of March 2026 is approximately $70,403 and average income is $94,603. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Eltham North rank highly nationally, between 81st and 94th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 30.3% of residents earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (2,048 residents). Eltham North demonstrates affluence with 45.5% earning over $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of 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

Eltham North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eltham North stood at 44.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.2% and rented ones at 6.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Eltham North was $512, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Eltham North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 compared to 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 at 38.7% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region 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% while certificates make up 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

Public transport analysis shows 22 active transport stops in Eltham North. These are served by buses on four different routes. Together, these provide 2037 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 264 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars at a rate of 91%. Train use stands at 6%.

Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, above the regional average. A high proportion, 39.5%, work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 291 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 92 weekly trips per stop.

Eltham North's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Eltham North's health outcomes show impressive results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (4,113 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.8 and 7.2% respectively. Notably, 72.4% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Eltham North has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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, comprising 47.2%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.8%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (8.9%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Macedonian (1.1%) and Italian (7.0%) are overrepresented, while Maltese remains even with the region at 1.1%.

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 comprises 14.8% of the population, compared to a lower prevalence of the 25-34 cohort at 7.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 3.6% to 5.7%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.7% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 8.5% to 7.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Eltham North. Notably, the 55-64 group is expected to grow by 32%, adding 319 people and reaching a total of 1,320 from its current figure of 1,000. In contrast, the 0-4 cohort is projected to show minimal growth of just 3%, an increase of only 9 people.