Mulgrave (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Mulgrave are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Mulgrave (Vic.) is around 21,392. This reflects an increase of 1,503 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,889. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 20,981 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 210 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,993 persons per square kilometer. Mulgrave's growth rate of 7.6% since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the national average (9.9%). The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb until 2041, with an expected increase of 4,788 persons reflecting a total increase of 20.5% over the 17-year period.

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 shows Mulgrave experienced approximately 128 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 644 homes. As of FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.5 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially contributing to population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Mulgrave is $662,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, $187.2 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mulgrave has shown moderately higher construction activity, with 18.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development in Mulgrave consists of 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 83.0% houses.

This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With approximately 143 people per approval, Mulgrave is considered a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mulgrave is expected to grow by 4,377 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Mulgrave 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 14 projects that could affect this 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.

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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 the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6%. As of September 2025, 11,402 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 66.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high 30.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Mulgrave has a strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Construction employment is limited at 8.4%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.2 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Mulgrave saw employment increase by 4.6% and labour force grow by 4.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mulgrave's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Mulgrave suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $52,100 and an average income of $66,919. Nationally, the median income was $57,084 with an average of $74,612. In Greater Melbourne, these figures were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income for Mulgrave as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,398, with the average being around $72,440. Census data indicates that household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,913 weekly) and personal income at the 38th percentile in Mulgrave. Income distribution shows that 32.8% of residents (7,016 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. Mulgrave'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

Mulgrave's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.2% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mulgrave stood at 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Mulgrave was $430, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Mulgrave's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above 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, consisting of 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Mulgrave's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 36.4% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 45.8%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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, including 9.3% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mulgrave has 110 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 37 different routes that together facilitate 5,427 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Mulgrave is rated as good, with residents typically living within 201 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward from Mulgrave. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while only 6% use the train. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in Mulgrave, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, at 30.3%, work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 775 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Mulgrave's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mulgrave. AreaSearch's assessment indicates very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53%, which leads that of the average SA2 area and compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. This covers about 11,399 people in total. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.5 and 6.3% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 74.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Mulgrave has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 4,085 people, which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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, comprising 52.4% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Mulgrave at 8.1%, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Other (16.8%), Chinese (14.2%), and Australian (12.7%). While Chinese representation is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%, Australian ancestry is notably lower at 12.7% compared to the regional average of 18.4%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of Greek (7.9% vs 2.7%), Sri Lankan (2.6% vs 0.8%), and Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%) ethnic groups in Mulgrave compared to the regional averages.

Mulgrave's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Mulgrave's median age in 2021 was 40 years, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mulgrave had a notably higher proportion of the 75-84 age group (7.5%) but fewer individuals aged 25-34 (12.6%). Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.3%, while the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Mulgrave's age profile. The 45-54 age group is expected to expand by 822 people (29%), growing from 2,802 to 3,625 individuals. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 7% (73 people).