Murrumbeena

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Murrumbeena as of May 2026 is around 10,995. This reflects an increase of 999 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,996. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 10,823 in June 2025 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,180 persons per square kilometer, placing Murrumbeena in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 10.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (8.0%) and the state level, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Murrumbeena.

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 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods to population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Murrumbeena, with an expected increase of 2,278 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.1% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than 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), approximately 241 homes were approved, with an additional 24 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of just 0.7 new residents per year arriving 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 a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $19.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, showing balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Murrumbeena records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 78th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently. New development consists of 22.0% detached houses and 78.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend toward denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This is a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 46.0% houses), addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 148 people per dwelling approval, Murrumbeena shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Murrumbeena will gain 2,106 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Neerim Road Murrumbeena, Housing Choices Carnegie - Egan Street, Murrumbeena Activity Centre Program, and Eighty East. 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 Murrumbeena remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Murrumbeena has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 6,431 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Murrumbeena is 72.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses indicate that 44.0% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Murrumbeena specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, accounting for only 7.0% of the workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as suggested by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, with a 1.0% decline in employment leading to a 0.7 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, along with a 0.3 percentage point rise in employment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

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

In financial year 2023, Murrumbeena had a median taxpayer income of $60,566 and an average income of $80,357. Nationally, these figures were higher than the median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $66,392 (median) and $88,087 (average), based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Murrumbeena's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 69th and 81st percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Murrumbeena comprised 30.0% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly. Higher earners made up a substantial presence with 32.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounted for 14.9% of income, and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murrumbeena was 30.3%, similar to Melbourne metro's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (32.6%) or rented (37.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Murrumbeena was recorded at $386, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Murrumbeena's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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 percent of all households, including 30.7 percent couples with children, 25.7 percent couples without children, and 7.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.8 percent, with lone person households at 31.1 percent and group households comprising 3.7 percent of the total. 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 and above, 51.5% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. The area's highest qualification is the Bachelor degree at 32.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 11.0%.

Educational participation is high in Murrumbeena, 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 serving buses. These are covered by 18 different routes, offering a total of 4,761 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living 165 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting in this mainly residential zone is outward-bound. Cars are the dominant mode at 73%, while trains account for 16%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 44% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes is 680 trips daily, equating to around 83 weekly trips per individual stop.

Murrumbeena's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Murrumbeena's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 59% of Murrumbeena's total population (6,435 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.5 and 7.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.3%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,660 people). Health outcomes among seniors are 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 cultural diversity is high, with 35.3% of its population born overseas and 32.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Murrumbeena, accounting for 42.5% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 3.6% vs 1.0%.

The top three ancestral 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%) groups are overrepresented in Murrumbeena compared to Greater Melbourne.

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 13.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 11.7% to 13.7% of Murrumbeena's population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has decreased from 5.1% to 4.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Murrumbeena's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 405 people and reaching a total of 1,846 from the current 1,440. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 4%, increasing by 65 people.