Mooroolbark

Mooroolbark has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Mooroolbark's population is estimated at around 24,524 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,465 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,059 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 24,307 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 354 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,961 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mooroolbark's growth of 6.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.5%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made 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 based on these aggregations. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to increase by 2,415 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.0% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mooroolbark when compared nationally

Mooroolbark averaged approximately 126 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 633 homes were approved, with an additional 59 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This suggests new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and supporting population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings was $398,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $66.5 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mooroolbark has shown elevated construction activity, with a 36.0% increase per person over the past five years. This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

The current development trend consists of 41.0% detached houses and 59.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the previous housing pattern of 95.0% houses. This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Mooroolbark has an approval rate of around 226 people per dwelling, indicating a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to grow by 2,198 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Mooroolbark has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Cloverlea Estate, Summerset Chirnside Park Retirement Village, Little Scribblers Mooroolbark Early Learning Centre, and 270 Maroondah Highway Industrial Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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The employment landscape in Mooroolbark shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Mooroolbark has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in December 2020, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year (AreaSearch). As of December 2025, 12,991 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is 1.5 percentage points higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was at 70%, on par with Greater Melbourne's rate. According to Census responses in 2021, 25.6% of residents worked from home. The key industries for employment among Mooroolbark residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a strong employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 6.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, while the labour force grew by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points (AreaSearch). In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a smaller increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mooroolbark's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Mooroolbark's median income is $54,116 and average income is $64,722. This is below Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $59,322 (median) and $70,948 (average). Census data indicates that Mooroolbark's household, family and personal incomes cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment in Mooroolbark comprises 36.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 8,853 residents in this range. This pattern is similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this income range. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. Mooroolbark's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Mooroolbark's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mooroolbark stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.0% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Mooroolbark's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Mooroolbark features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.7% of all households, including 38.8% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.3%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Mooroolbark aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 23.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (26.3%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, comprising primary education (9.9%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mooroolbark has 45 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 19 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,418 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 423 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Mooroolbark's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Mooroolbark, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, at 25.6%, work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 488 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mooroolbark's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Mooroolbark's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~12,860 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues impact 9.2% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.7%. A total of 68.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (4,218 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mooroolbark was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mooroolbark's cultural diversity is above average, with 22.1% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mooroolbark, comprising 46.5% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.1% of Mooroolbark's population versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (9.0%). Notably, Dutch (2.7%) and Sri Lankan (0.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Mooroolbark compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 0.8%, respectively.

Mooroolbark's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mooroolbark's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 6.4% of Mooroolbark's population compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 13.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.9% to 6.4%, the 35-44 cohort has risen from 14.5% to 15.7%, but the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mooroolbark's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 3,646 individuals from its current total of 2,942. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.