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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Monbulk is around 3,664, reflecting a 13-person increase since the 2021 Census which reported 3,651 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,648 based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of 8 new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 184 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% to recent population gains. AreaSearch's projections for Monbulk are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, they use the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. By 2041, Monbulk's population is projected to decline by 135 persons overall. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over group which is projected to increase 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 in Monbulk shows approximately 2 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 14 homes were approved.

No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests new supply has kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. 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.

However, 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 detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 561 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Stable or declining population forecasts may indicate less housing pressure in Monbulk, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

No changes can influence an area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Key projects include Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, and Additional VLocity Trains. 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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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 December 2025, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%.

As of December 2025, 1,882 residents were employed with a participation rate of 65.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Home-based work accounted for 24.3% of jobs based on Census responses, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Monbulk specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 12.7 times the regional level, but has lower representation in professional & technical roles (5.6% vs Greater Melbourne's 10.1%).

Limited local opportunities are suggested by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force grew by 1.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 2.4% with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Monbulk's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Monbulk has lower median and average incomes compared to national figures. The suburb's median income is $49,281, while the average income stands at $64,378. In contrast, 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 2023, current estimates for Monbulk would be approximately $53,347 (median) and $69,689 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Monbulk rank modestly, between the 40th and 48th percentiles. In Monbulk, 34.4% of the population (1,260 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 32.8% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses in Monbulk. 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

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 average of $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 compared to 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, 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's university qualification rate is 23.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are 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 at 30.6%, comprising primary education (10.5%), secondary education (9.8%), and tertiary education (4.1%).

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 shows that Monbulk has 16 active public transport stops operating currently. These stops are served by a total of 5 different bus routes, which combined provide 816 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 394 meters from the nearest stop. As it is predominantly residential, most people commute outward from Monbulk. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling in Monbulk, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), around 24.3% of residents work from home. The service frequency averages out to about 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 match national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions among the general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,916 people), slightly above the SA2 area average of 50%, but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (9.2%) and arthritis (8.7%), while 67.1% report no medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Monbulk has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (765 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors 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, surveyed in June 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 83.6% born there and 90.9% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 94.3%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 35.9% of Monbulk's population.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, English heritage was prominent at 32.5%, Australian at 28.1%, and Irish at 8.0%, all higher than regional averages. Divergences included Dutch representation at 6.3% (regional: 1.2%), French at 0.6% (regional: 0.5%), and Hungarian at 0.3% (regional: 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 residents aged 65-74 (10.9% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.1%). According to the 2021 Census, Monbulk's population aged 75-84 grew from 5.0% to 7.9%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 10.0% to 7.1%, and the 35-44 group decreased from 12.7% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Monbulk's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 140%, adding 108 residents to reach 185. Residents aged 65 and older will represent all of the anticipated population growth. However, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts.