Mooroolbark

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Mooroolbark's population is estimated at around 24,330 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,271 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,059 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 24,225 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 312 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,946 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mooroolbark's 5.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.3%) and 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 with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 2,563 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.9% 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 shows Mooroolbark had around 126 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 633 homes. By FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.7. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more housing options and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average construction value of these homes was $398,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $66.5 million, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mooroolbark shows moderately higher development activity, with 36.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction in Mooroolbark comprises 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the area's current housing composition of 95.0% houses.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. At around 226 people per approval, Mooroolbark reflects a low density area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch projects Mooroolbark's population to grow by 2,401 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Mooroolbark has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 37 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Cloverlea Estate, Summerset Chirnside Park Retirement Village, Little Scribblers Mooroolbark Early Learning Centre, and the 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 the construction sector being particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate was 4.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7%.

As of June 2025, 12,979 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is 0.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Mooroolbark is 67.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high at 1.5 times the regional level, while professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.9% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, labour force increased by 0.7%, and unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project that national employment will expand by 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

In financial year 2022, Mooroolbark had a median income among taxpayers of $54,116 and an average level of $64,722. These figures align with national averages and compare to median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively in Greater Melbourne. As of September 2025, estimated median and average incomes are approximately $60,697 and $72,592 respectively, based on a 12.16% increase since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, Mooroolbark's household, family, and personal incomes fall around the 61st percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 36.1% of individuals in Mooroolbark earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mooroolbark's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mooroolbark was 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 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Mooroolbark was $400, exceeding Melbourne metro's $380 and 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, higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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

Mooroolbark faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 23.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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. Mooroolbark has a robust network of 10 schools educating approximately 4,788 students, demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1009) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 6 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs, at 19.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, indicating Mooroolbark serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3656 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 423 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 522 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per 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 mental health issues affecting 9.2% of residents and asthma impacting 8.7%. Approximately 52% of the total population (~12,758 people) have private health cover, leading the average SA2 area rate. About 68.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (4,014 people), which is lower than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. This places Mooroolbark's health profile broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Mooroolbark has a cultural diversity index above the 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, accounting for 46.5% of the population. While Judaism comprises only 0.1% of the population, this is similar to the regional average of Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.4%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (9.0%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented in Mooroolbark at 2.7%, compared to 3.2% regionally. Sri Lankan and Hungarian ancestries also show slight overrepresentations at 0.4% and 0.3% 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 5-14 age group constitutes 13.0% of Mooroolbark's population compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 13.8%. Between 2021 and now, the 75-84 age group has risen from 4.9% to 6.0%, whereas the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mooroolbark's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 24%, increasing from 2,968 to 3,687 people. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in size.