Monbulk

Monbulk 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 per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Monbulk's population is estimated at around 3,664 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 13 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,651 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,648 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 184 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to shrink by 130 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, led by the 85 and over age group, projected to grow by 123 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Monbulk has had approximately 2 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 14 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26.

The population decline over recent years suggests new supply has likely been keeping pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $476,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk has significantly less development activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years.

Nationally, Monbulk's level of development is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Monbulk has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. This focus on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 521 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Monbulk may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Monbulk has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact this area. Key projects include: - Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program - Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program - South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades - Additional VLocity Trains.

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.

Monbulk ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Monbulk's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. The unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with an estimated growth of 1.5%. As of September 2025, 1,878 residents were employed at a 2.4% lower unemployment rate than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 64.7%, below Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Home workership stood at 24.3%. Key industries included construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had high representation with a share 12.7 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services were under-represented at 5.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, labour force by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Monbulk's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Monbulk suburb has lower than average national incomes. The median income is $49,281 and the average is $64,378. In contrast, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $53,347 (median) and $69,689 (average). Census data shows Monbulk's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 40th and 48th percentiles. Incomes of $1,500 - $2,999 are reported by 34.4% of Monbulk population (1,260 individuals), similar to metropolitan region's 32.8%. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. Monbulk's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Monbulk's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Monbulk stood at 38.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.9% and rented ones at 15.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,915, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Monbulk was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Monbulk's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were lower at $375.

Monbulk has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.7% of all households, including 36.8% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.3%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Monbulk exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area has university qualification rates at 23.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (27.7%).

Educational participation is notably high at 30.6%, including 10.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.1% 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 16 active transport stops operating within Monbulk. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 816 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 394 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 24.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 116 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Monbulk's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Monbulk's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among Monbulk residents is somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,916 people), slightly higher than the SA2 area average but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.2% and 8.7% of residents respectively. 67.1% of Monbulk residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.0% (769 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among Monbulk's senior population present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Monbulk ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Monbulk, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, had a population with 83.6% born in Australia and 90.9% being citizens. The primary language spoken at home was English, at 94.3%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 35.9% of Monbulk's population.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.1% versus 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (32.5%), Australian (28.1%), and Irish (8.0%), all higher than regional averages. There were also notable differences in Dutch (6.3% vs 1.2%), French (0.6% vs 0.5%), and Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.3%) representations compared to the region.

Monbulk's median age exceeds the national pattern

Monbulk's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk has a notably over-represented 65-74 age cohort at 11.0%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.1%. Following the Census conducted on 24 August 2021, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 5.0% to 7.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 10.0% to 7.1%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Monbulk's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 140%, adding 108 residents to reach 185. This growth is due to demographic aging, as residents aged 65 and older represent all of the anticipated population growth. However, population declines are projected for the 55-64 age group and the 0-4 age cohort.