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 of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Monbulk is around 3,669. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,651 people, a change inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,667 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of 8 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 184 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is utilising projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and for areas not covered, the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 are employed with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the suburb's population expected to shrink by 127 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 113 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 from statistical area data indicates Monbulk has received approximately 2 dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 14 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26.

The declining population suggests new supply has likely met demand, offering buyers good choice. Average construction cost value of new homes is $476,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating focus on quality developments. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk has significantly less development activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This limited supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, though building activity has increased recently. Nationally, development levels are lower, reflecting market maturity and possible constraints.

Recent development comprises entirely detached dwellings, preserving Monbulk's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 561 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Monbulk may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

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

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

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

Monbulk has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%. As of December 2025, 1,885 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Monbulk lags behind Greater Melbourne at 64.8%, compared to 69.9%. According to Census responses, 24.3% of residents work from home. The key industries for employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Monbulk has a significant specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 12.7 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force grew by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 suggest that Monbulk's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows Monbulk's median income was $49,281 and average income was $64,378. This is lower than Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,022 (median) and $70,571 (average). Census data reveals Monbulk's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 40th and 48th percentiles. In Monbulk, 34.4% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to Melbourne's 32.8%. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. The SEIFA income ranking places Monbulk in the 6th decile.

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

Monbulk's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with 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. The median weekly rent in Monbulk was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Monbulk's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,915 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $369 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 76.7% of all households, consisting of 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, which is 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's university qualification rate is 23.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.5% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

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

Monbulk has 16 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 816 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Monbulk is considered good, with residents typically living 394 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.3% of Monbulk's residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The 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 are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,918 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.2 and 8.7% of residents respectively, while 67.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (755 people), which is higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.6% of its population born in Australia and 90.9% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 94.3% of the population. Christianity was the predominant religion in Monbulk, comprising 35.9%.

Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.1% versus 1.0%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (28.1%), and Irish (8.0%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was higher in Monbulk at 6.3%, compared to the regional average of 1.2%. French ancestry stood at 0.6% versus 0.5% regionally, while Hungarian ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.3%.

Monbulk's median age exceeds the national pattern

Monbulk's median age is 41 years, which is notably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Comparing Monbulk with Greater Melbourne, the cohort aged 65-74 is significantly overrepresented at 11.2%, while those aged 25-34 are underrepresented at 7.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 5.0% to 7.4%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 12.1% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 10.0% to 7.6%. By 2041, Monbulk's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 145%, adding 106 residents to reach a total of 180. This growth will be driven entirely by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older accounting for all anticipated population increase. Conversely, populations in the 55-64 and 45-54 age groups are projected to decline.