Murrumbeena

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Murrumbeena is around 11,019. This figure represents an increase of 1,023 people from the 2021 Census total of 9,996. The change was inferred from a resident population estimate of 10,728 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,189 persons per square kilometer, placing Murrumbeena in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.7%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Murrumbeena.

AreaSearch projections for the suburb, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, indicate an above median population growth is projected for national statistical areas. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 2,451 persons, reflecting an increase of 19.8% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Murrumbeena when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Murrumbeena has recorded around 48 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an estimated 241 homes were approved, with a further 17 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.9 new residents have arrived per new home over these years, indicating that new construction is matching or outpacing demand.

The average value of new homes being built is $640,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $19.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Murrumbeena records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and places among the 78th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction activity has intensified, with new developments consisting of 22.0% detached houses and 78.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, marking a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 46.0% houses).

With around 148 people per dwelling approval, Murrumbeena shows characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Murrumbeena is forecasted to gain 2,185 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Neerim Road Murrumbeena, Housing Choices Carnegie - Egan Street, Murrumbeena Activity Centre Program, and Eighty East. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Murrumbeena demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Murrumbeena has a highly educated workforce. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025, which is 0.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was 74.3%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%.

According to Census responses, 44.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area had a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, construction was under-represented, at 7.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.8%, but employment declined by 0.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murrumbeena's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Murrumbeena suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $60,566. The average income stood at $80,357. Nationally, these figures are extremely high, compared to Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Murrumbeena would be approximately $65,563 (median) and $86,986 (average) as of September 2025. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, incomes in Murrumbeena rank highly nationally, between the 69th and 81st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows that the largest segment comprises 30.0% earning $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (3,305 residents). This pattern is similar to surrounding regions where 32.8% fall within this income range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power in the community. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within the 71st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Murrumbeena displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Murrumbeena, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 45.6% houses and 54.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murrumbeena was 30.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.6%) or rented (37.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $386. Nationally, Murrumbeena's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding the national figure of $375.

Murrumbeena features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.2% of all households, including 30.7% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Murrumbeena demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Murrumbeena's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 51.5% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. The area has a strong educational advantage with bachelor degrees being the most common (32.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1%, including advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 11.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in tertiary education, 8.4% in primary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Murrumbeena has 57 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 4,761 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 165 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most residents travel outward for work. Cars remain the primary commuting mode at 73%, while trains are used by 16% of residents. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

Notably, 44.0% of residents work from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 680 trips per day, equating to approximately 83 weekly trips per stop.

Murrumbeena'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 Murrumbeena.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be very low across all age groups. The prevalence of common health conditions was exceptionally low. Approximately 59% of the total population had private health cover, which is equivalent to 6,449 people. Mental health issues impacted 7.5% of residents, while asthma affected 7.0%. A significant majority, 74.3%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over, equating to 1,696 people. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Murrumbeena was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Murrumbeena's population includes 35.3% born overseas and 32.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 42.5%. Judaism is overrepresented at 3.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.4%), Australian (17.7%), and Other (12.0%). Notably, Polish (1.4% vs regional 0.8%), Russian (1.0% vs 0.4%), and Greek (5.8% vs 2.7%) populations diverge from regional averages.

Murrumbeena's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Murrumbeena's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 13.2% of Murrumbeena's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort constitutes 10.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.7% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 17.3% to 16.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Murrumbeena's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 29%, adding 419 people and reaching a total of 1,874 from its current figure of 1,454.