Mulgrave (Vic.)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025 Mulgrave Vic. SA2's estimated population is around 21,389, reflecting a 7.5% increase since the 2021 Census (19,889). This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 20,981 residents in Jun 2024 and 269 new addresses validated since the Census date. Mulgrave Vic.'s population density is 1,993 persons per sq km, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate (7.5%) is within 2.2 percentage points of the national average (9.7%). Overseas migration drove recent population gains, contributing approximately 91.0%.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises Vic State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via 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. Population projections indicate above median growth, with Mulgrave Vic. expected to grow by 4,788 persons to 2041, 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

Mulgrave has seen approximately 128 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 644 homes. In FY-26 so far, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents are added annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost of these dwellings is $662,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. Commercial approvals this financial year have reached $187.2 million, reflecting 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. The current development trend consists of 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of predominantly houses (83.0%).

This denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially driven by diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Mulgrave's population is estimated to grow by 4,380 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, though increased competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

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 likely to affect the region. Notable projects include HomeCo Brandon Park Redevelopment, Collegium Avenue Townhouses, 855-869 Ferntree Gully Road Townhouses, and Nexus Corporate Park. The following list details those most 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 an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 4.6%. As of September 2025, 11,402 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation is 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 1.3 times the regional level. Construction has limited presence at 8.4% compared to 9.7% regionally. There are 1.2 workers per resident, indicating Mulgrave functions as an employment hub. In the past year, employment increased by 4.6%, and labour force by 4.8%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year as of 25-Nov, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. 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 suggests local employment should 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Mulgrave had a median income among taxpayers of $52,100 with an average level standing at $66,919. These figures are approximately average nationally and compare to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,398 (median) and $72,440 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,913 weekly), while personal income sits at the 38th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.8% of residents (7,015 people). After housing, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses and 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 while 16.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mulgrave stood at 39.2%, closely aligned with Melbourne metro's rate. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 37.9% and rented ones made up 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mulgrave was $2,167, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. Weekly rent median stood at $430 compared to Melbourne metro's $440. 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, including 40.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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+ hold university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 45.8%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills 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 notably high; 28.9% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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 these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located just 201 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 775 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 49 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes.

Both young and old age cohorts have a low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53%, which leads that of the average SA2 area, covering around 11,398 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.5% and 6.3% of residents respectively. Around 74.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.3% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2016, 18.8% of Mulgrave's residents are aged 65 and over (4,021 people), which is higher than the 17.5% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line 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's cultural diversity is notable, with 48.0% of its population born overseas and 53.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mulgrave, accounting for 52.4% of the population. However, Buddhism stands out with 8.1%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 7.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.8%), Chinese (14.2%), and Australian (12.7%). Some ethnic groups have notable representation in Mulgrave: Greek at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 5.6%, Sri Lankan at 2.6% versus 2.1%, and Hungarian at 0.5% against 0.3%.

Mulgrave's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Mulgrave's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group is notably overrepresented in Mulgrave at 7.3%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is underrepresented 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 decreased 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 30%, adding 844 people, growing from 2,780 to 3,625. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 5% (51 people).