Oakleigh

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

The population of the Oakleigh statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 9,349 as of Nov 2025, reflecting a growth of 907 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 10.7% rise from the previous population count of 8,442. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 9,208 residents based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,626 persons per square kilometer, placing Oakleigh (SA2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate of 10.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving Oakleigh's population growth.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Oakleigh (SA2) is projected to experience a significant population increase of 3,463 persons, reflecting a total gain of 35.9% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Oakleigh averaged around 26 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25131 homes were approved, with a further 52 in FY-26 thus far. Each year, an average of 4.4 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This indicates demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $585,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $5.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Oakleigh's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Oakleigh has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 45th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This is below average nationally, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% townhouses or apartments, differing significantly from existing housing patterns (currently 62.0% houses).

This shift indicates diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Oakleigh has around 372 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developed market. Future projections estimate Oakleigh adding 3,355 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Suburban Rail Loop East, VicTrack Land Release - Oakleigh Station, Station Quarter Oakleigh, and Sandringham Line Service Improvements (part of Metro Tunnel Network Upgrades). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant:.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Oakleigh significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Oakleigh has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.9%.

As of September 2025, 5,634 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Oakleigh is 66.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with notable concentration in the latter at 1.3 times the regional average. Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 3.2% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. In the past year, employment increased by 4.9%, while the labour force grew by an equal percentage, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 3.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oakleigh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Oakleigh has a higher income level than the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Oakleigh is $57,390 and the average income stands at $73,515. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,125 (median) and $79,580 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Oakleigh cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 29.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 2,795 residents falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same income bracket. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Oakleigh, as per the latest Census evaluation, 61.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 38.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 69.6% of dwellings were houses, and 30.3% were other types. Home ownership in Oakleigh stood at 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 35.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Oakleigh was $2,100, lower than Melbourne's average of $2,383. The median weekly rent in Oakleigh was $410, compared to Melbourne's $440. Nationally, Oakleigh's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $410 compared to the national figure of $375.

Oakleigh features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.8 percent of all households, including 31.4 percent couples with children, 25.0 percent couples without children, and 9.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.2 percent, with lone person households at 26.9 percent and group households comprising 5.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

Oakleigh shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Oakleigh's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (42.0%) compared to the broader SA4 region (29.8%) and Australia (30.4%). This educational advantage is led by bachelor degrees at 26.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.7%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.0% in tertiary education, 7.3% 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

Public transport analysis shows 63 active transport stops operating within Oakleigh. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 35 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 11,300 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,614 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 179 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Oakleigh is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Oakleigh shows above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, despite having higher rates among older and at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

Approximately 56% (~5,222 people) of Oakleigh's total population has private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (8.0%) and arthritis (6.7%), with 73.0% of residents reporting no medical ailments compared to 75.3% in Greater Melbourne. Oakleigh has 15.3% (1,430 people) of its population aged 65 and over, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 17.5%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Oakleigh's population shows high cultural diversity, with 40.2% born overseas and 43.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Oakleigh, comprising 51.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.9% versus 0.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.5%), Australian (15.1%), and Greek (12.8%), with Greeks being substantially higher than the regional average of 5.6%. Other notable divergences include Russian (0.6% vs regional 0.5%), Sri Lankan (0.8% vs regional 2.1%), and Italian (5.8% vs regional 4.0%).

Oakleigh's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Oakleigh has a median age of 37, which matches Greater Melbourne's figure and is comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 15.5% of Oakleigh's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 age group makes up 9.0%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.4% to 15.5% of Oakleigh's population. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Oakleigh's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 39%, adding 645 people and reaching a total of 2,310 from its current figure of 1,664.