Malvern (Vic.)

Malvern is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The Malvern (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 10,493 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 564 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,929. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,292 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 198 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,581 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the Malvern (Vic.) (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. According to these projections, the Malvern (Vic.) (SA2) is expected to have a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas by 2041, with an anticipated expansion of 1,359 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Malvern recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Malvern averaged around 52 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 264 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved in FY-26 to date. This averages out to approximately 0.2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new homes was $1,126,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, Malvern has seen $59.6 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating robust local business investment. Recent construction comprises 13.0% detached dwellings and 87.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 46.0% houses.

The location has approximately 172 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Malvern is forecasted to gain 1,474 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Cabrini Hospital Major Redevelopment, 173 Burke Road Mixed-Use Development, Harold Holt Swim Centre Improvements, and Level Crossing Removal Project (Melbourne). 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 Malvern demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Malvern has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data shows that as of September 2025, 6,091 residents are in work. The unemployment rate is 2.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, with workforce participation broadly similar at 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical (1.7 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance.

Construction employs just 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the past year, labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment remained unchanged, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 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. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows VIC 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 growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Malvern's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Malvern had an exceptionally high national income level according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $76,943 and the average income stood at $156,711. These figures compared with Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $83,291 (median) and $169,640 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 showed household, family, and personal incomes all ranked highly in Malvern, between the 92nd and 95th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that 35.2% of locals (3,693 people) fell into the $4000+ category, contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 32.8%. Higher earners represented a substantial presence with 45.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 87.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

Malvern displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with strong rates of outright home ownership

Malvern's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 45.8% houses and 54.2% other dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Malvern stood at 43.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 29.3% and rented dwellings at 27.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,057, and the median weekly rent was $450. Comparing nationally, Malvern's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Malvern features high concentrations of lone person households, with a median household size of 2.3 people

Family households comprise 64.6% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for 35.4%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people.

Educational achievement in Malvern places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Malvern's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 57.8% have university qualifications, surpassing Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational pathways account for 16.4% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 6.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in secondary education, 8.2% in tertiary education, and 7.9% pursuing primary education.

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

Malvern has 56 active public transport stops offering train, light rail, and bus services. These are served by 9 routes that facilitate 9,807 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 174 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency averages 1,401 trips across all routes, amounting to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Malvern shows healthier-than-average results with both younger and older age groups having lower rates of common health issues. Around 88% of its total population of 9,263 has private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.2% each of residents. Notably, 71.8% report no medical ailments, contrasting with Melbourne's 0%. About 23.4%, or 2,455 people, are aged 65 and above. Health outcomes among seniors in Malvern exceed those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Malvern was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Malvern's cultural diversity was above average, with 24.7% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated Malvern's religious landscape, comprising 47.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Malvern at 7.7%, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.5%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (9.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant divergences: Polish was notably overrepresented at 2.0% in Malvern (vs None% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs None%), and Russian at 0.7% (vs None%).

Malvern hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Malvern's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 8.9% of Malvern's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort stands at 11.2%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 12.2% to 13.7%, but the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant shifts in Malvern's age profile. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 44%, reaching 1,344 people from the current 933. Those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 67% of population growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.