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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Monbulk statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 3,659 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 8 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,651 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,648, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 184 persons per square kilometer. Population growth 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 137 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, projected to grow by 117 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 indicates that Monbulk has received approximately 2 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 14 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26.

The declining population suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing 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 supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, although building activity has increased in recent years. Nationally, Monbulk's development level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 521 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity 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 49thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects 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 notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025, 1,883 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation stands at 62.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among Monbulk residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes 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%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data analysis. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, labour force grew by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts indicate national employment growth of 6.6% 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 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 2023 shows that Monbulk's median income is $49,281 and average income is $64,378. Nationally, the median income is higher at $57,688 with an average of $75,164. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,347 (median) and $69,689 (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, compared to 32.8% in metropolitan regions. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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

In Monbulk, as recorded in the latest Census, 96.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.3% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 93.8% of dwellings are houses and 6.2% are other types. Home ownership in Monbulk stood at 38.8%, with mortgaged properties making up 45.9% and rented dwellings accounting for 15.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,915, lower than Melbourne's metro average of $1,950. Weekly rent in Monbulk was recorded at $369, compared to Melbourne's metro figure of $380. Nationally, Monbulk's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Monbulk has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

The analysis of public transport in Monbulk shows that there are 16 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 816.

The accessibility of transport in Monbulk is rated as good, with residents on average located 394 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 116 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Monbulk is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Monbulk faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,913 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues impact 9.2% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.7%. A total of 67.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (746 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Monbulk's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 83.6% born in Australia and 94.3% speaking English only at home as of 2016 Census data. Citizenship was high at 90.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion (35.9%).

Judaism, though small (0.1%), was similarly represented compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, English (32.5%) and Australian (28.1%) were top groups, followed by Irish at 8.0%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented in Monbulk at 6.3% versus 3.2% regionally, French at 0.6% versus 0.5%, and Hungarian at 0.3% versus 0.3%.

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 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk has a notably higher percentage of the 45-54 age group (15.2% locally) but a lower percentage of 25-34 year-olds (7.8%). Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 5.0% to 7.5%, and the 15-24 cohort rose from 12.1% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 10.0% to 7.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Monbulk's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 151%, adding 110 residents to reach 184. Residents aged 65 and older will represent all anticipated population growth, while the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to decline in population.