Mooroolbark

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Mooroolbark is estimated at around 25,108. This reflects an increase of 2,049 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,059. The change is inferred from the resident population of 24,172 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 320 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,008 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.0%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 2,562 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Mooroolbark shows approximately 126 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 633 homes. As of FY-26, 37 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of about 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value for these dwellings is approximately $398,000.

In the current financial year, there have been around $66.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mooroolbark has seen slightly more development, with 36.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction consists of approximately 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently around 95.0% houses. This change suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyle preferences. With about 226 people per approval, Mooroolbark indicates a transitioning market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add approximately 1,623 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting 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 are 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.

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

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Employment conditions in Mooroolbark remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Mooroolbark has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 5.2% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year. This figure is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 12,979 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Mooroolbark was similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, a high 25.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area has particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force by 0.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This compares to Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 3.0%, labour force expansion of 3.3%, and unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Mooroolbark. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mooroolbark's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though it is noted that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, the suburb of Mooroolbark had a median income among taxpayers of $54,116. The average income stood at $64,722 in this financial year. This is below the national average of $75,164 for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,581 (median) and $70,062 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Mooroolbark cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, 36.1% of individuals in Mooroolbark earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting 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, which is 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 prominent, 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%, with 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 19 different routes, providing a total of 3,418 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 423 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 25.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 488 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 align closely with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, with approximately 52% of residents having private health cover compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.2%) and asthma (8.7%), while 68.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. Mooroolbark has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (4,268 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%, 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 population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 22.1% born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.5%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

For ancestry, the top groups were English (28.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (9.0%). Notably, Dutch (2.7%) and Sri Lankan (0.4%) groups were overrepresented, while Hungarian (0.3%) showed no significant difference from regional averages.

Mooroolbark's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mooroolbark's median age is 37 years, matching Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 years and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The population aged 75-84 stands at 6.3%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 13.3%. Since 2021, the 75-84 age group has risen from 4.9% to 6.3%, and the 35-44 cohort has increased from 14.5% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 14.6% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mooroolbark's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 21%, adding 648 people and reaching a total of 3,687 from its current figure of 3,038. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.