Mulgrave (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Mulgrave are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Mulgrave's population is estimated at around 21,303. This reflects an increase of 1,414 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,889. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 20,981 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 269 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,985 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mulgrave's growth of 7.1% since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 91.0%.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing 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. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected, with the area expected to grow by 4,788 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 21.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Mulgrave among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Mulgrave experienced around 128 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 644 homes. As of FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. Mulgrave has seen $187.2 million in commercial approvals registered this financial year.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mulgrave shows moderately higher construction activity at 18.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New development consists of 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, a significant shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 83.0% houses. Mulgrave reflects a developing area with around 143 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mulgrave is expected to grow by 4,466 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Looking ahead, Mulgrave is expected to grow by 4,466 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Mulgrave has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that may affect the region. Notable ones include HomeCo Brandon Park Redevelopment, Collegium Avenue Townhouses, 855-869 Ferntree Gully Road Townhouses, and Nexus Corporate Park. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Mulgrave demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mulgrave has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 4.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there were 11,418 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 61.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Manufacturing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while construction has limited presence at 8.4%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%. There are 1.2 workers for every resident in Mulgrave, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.1% while labour force grew by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Mulgrave. These projections estimate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mulgrave's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Mulgrave had a median income among taxpayers of $52,100 in financial year 2022. The average level stood at $66,919 during the same period. This was just above the national average for that year. In Greater Melbourne, the median and average incomes were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $58,435 and the average around $75,056, based on a 12.16% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that Mulgrave's household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,913 weekly), while personal income is at the 38th percentile. In terms of income distribution, 32.8% of residents (6,987 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which is also the dominant bracket regionally. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses in Mulgrave. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Mulgrave, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne metro's 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mulgrave stood at 39.2%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,383. The median weekly rent in Mulgrave was $430, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, Mulgrave's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $430 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.9% of all households, including 40.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7 people.

The educational profile of Mulgrave exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Mulgrave's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 45.8%. This indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (15.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education. Mulgrave's five schools have a combined enrollment of 4,191 students as of the latest data available. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1046) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with three primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (19.7 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 15.8), suggesting the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Mulgrave has 110 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 39 different routes that together facilitate 7,672 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents typically living within 201 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,096 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 69 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mulgrave is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Mulgrave shows above-average health outcomes, with both younger and older residents having low prevalence of common health conditions.

The private health cover rate here is approximately 53%, covering about 11,352 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.5% and 6.3% of residents respectively. About 74.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 75.3% across Greater Melbourne. Mulgrave has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 18.8% (4,004 people), than Greater Melbourne's 17.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

Mulgrave is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mulgrave has a high level of cultural diversity, with 48.0% of its population born overseas and 53.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Mulgrave is Christianity, accounting for 52.4% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 8.1% compared to 7.9% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (16.8%), Chinese (14.2%), and Australian (12.7%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Greek (7.9% vs regional 5.6%), Sri Lankan (2.6% vs 2.1%), and Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%) are overrepresented in Mulgrave.

Mulgrave's median age exceeds the national pattern

Mulgrave's median age is 40, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Mulgrave at 7.3%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.1% of Mulgrave's population, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Mulgrave's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 31%, adding 855 people to reach a total of 3,625. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 5%, an increase of 56 people.