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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Malvern (Vic.) is estimated at around 10,542 people. This represents an increase of 613 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,929. The latest estimate is derived from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, showing a resident population of 10,292 with an additional 364 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,598 persons per square kilometer, placing Malvern in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections for Malvern 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. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 1,181 persons, reflecting an increase of 8.8% over the 17-year period. This growth rate aligns with the median trend for statistical areas across the nation.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Malvern when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Malvern shows an average of approximately 57 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 289 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there has been an average of about 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $1,036,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached around $59.6 million, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Current building activity comprises about 13.0% standalone homes and 87.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from existing patterns (currently 46.0% houses). The location has approximately 153 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Malvern is projected to add around 931 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Twenty projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, with key initiatives including 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 likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Malvern demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Malvern has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 6,055 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's figure of 71.3%. Census responses indicate that 48.9% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Notably, the area has a high concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 0.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Malvern's employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 28 February 2023 for financial year 2022-23, the suburb of Malvern's median income among taxpayers is $76,943. The average income in Malvern is $156,711. This places Malvern in the top percentile nationally. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2022-23, current estimates for Malvern would be approximately $83,291 (median) and $169,640 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes in Malvern rank between the 92nd and 95th percentiles nationally. The distribution data shows that 35.2% of individuals in Malvern earn over $4,000 per week, differing from metropolitan patterns where earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 dominate at 32.8%. This indicates a strong economic capacity with 45.9% of residents earning above $3,000 per week after housing costs. After accounting for housing costs, Malvern residents retain 87.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Malvern displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluation showed that Malvern's dwelling structure was 45.8% houses and 54.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Malvern stood at 43.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented ones at 27.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,057, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Malvern was $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Malvern's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,057 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Malvern features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Malvern has a notably high level of educational attainment, with 57.8% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 37.6% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.1%, and graduate diplomas at 5.1%.

Vocational pathways account for 16.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.9% and certificates 6.5%. Educational participation is particularly high in Malvern, 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

The analysis indicates that there are 56 active transport stops operating within Malvern. These comprise a mix of lightrail and buses serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 9,807 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 73%, with 11% by train and 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below regional average.

High 48.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 1,401 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Malvern. AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence found very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 88% of the total population (9,306 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.2% and 7.2% of residents respectively. 71.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 24.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,624 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 is above average, with 24.7% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Malvern, comprising 47.7% of people, while Judaism is overrepresented at 7.7%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%. The top three ancestry groups are English (26.5%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Polish ethnicity is overrepresented in Malvern at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Russian at 0.7% against a regional average of 0.4%.

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 significantly exceeding the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.5% of Malvern's population compared to Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort makes up 10.9%. Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.6%, while the 45-54 group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.2%. The 5-14 group has also dropped, from 11.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Malvern's age profile. Notably, the 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 32%, reaching 1,325 people from its current total of 1,001. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 73% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.