Mooroolbark

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

By Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Mooroolbark statistical area (Lv2) was around 25,105. This figure reflects an increase of 2,046 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,059. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 24,172 in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,008 persons per square kilometer. Since the 2021 Census, Mooroolbark's growth rate of 8.9% exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Mooroolbark (SA2) 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Mooroolbark has seen around 126 new homes approved per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 633 homes. So far in FY-2026 (FY-26), 37 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these 5 years is 0.7. New construction matches or outpaces demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations.

The average value of new homes being built is $398,000. There have been $66.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mooroolbark has slightly more development, with 36.0% above the regional average per person over the past 5 years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, currently 95.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. At around 226 people per approval, Mooroolbark reflects a transitioning market. Future projections show Mooroolbark adding 1,625 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 37 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects 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 projects likely to be 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. The area's unemployment rate was 5.2% as of September 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 12,978 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Mooroolbark is 67.4%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a significant employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force grew by 0.9%, and unemployment remained essentially unchanged in Mooroolbark. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force expand by 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mooroolbark's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Mooroolbark suburb had median taxpayer income of $54,116 and average income of $64,722. This is below national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 in Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $58,581 and $70,062 respectively. Census 2021 data indicates Mooroolbark's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 36.1% of individuals earning between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to surrounding region at 32.8%. After housing costs, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mooroolbark's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 93.8% houses and 6.3% 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, higher than Melbourne metro's $1,950. Median weekly rent in Mooroolbark was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Mooroolbark's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 Greater Melbourne's average of 2.7.

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%, 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

The analysis found 46 active public transport stops in Mooroolbark. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 19 individual routes operating, providing a total of 3,418 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 423 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 488 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 74 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.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, with a rate of private health cover at approximately 52% of the total population (~13,165 people), leading the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 8.7% of residents respectively. 68.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2016, 16.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,142 people), which is lower than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. This places Mooroolbark's health profile 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 shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.1% born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mooroolbark, accounting for 46.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism comprises 0.1%, which is similar to Greater Melbourne's figure of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (9.0%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation compared to regional figures: Dutch at 2.7% vs 3.2%, Sri Lankan at 0.4% vs 0.3%, and Hungarian at 0.3% vs 0.3%.

Mooroolbark's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mooroolbark's median age in 2021 was 37 years, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and remaining comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 5-14 age group constituted 13.0% of Mooroolbark's population compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage. However, the 25-34 cohort was less prevalent at 13.8%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.9% to 6.0% of Mooroolbark's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mooroolbark's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 3,687 people from the previous figure of 3,062. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 54% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.