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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Oakleigh's estimated population is around 9,350. This reflects an increase of 908 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,442. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,208 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 123 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,626 persons per square kilometer, placing Oakleigh in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oakleigh's growth rate of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas is forecast, with Oakleigh expected to expand by 3,424 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 35.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Oakleigh when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Oakleigh averaged around 25 new dwelling approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25. Over these five years, 128 homes were approved, with an additional 55 approved in FY-26. Each year, approximately 4.4 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

This high demand relative to supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $585,000. In FY-26, Oakleigh has seen $5.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Oakleigh has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 41st percentile nationally, indicating limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. New development consists of 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing pattern of 62.0% houses. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Oakleigh has around 396 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developed market. Future projections estimate Oakleigh to add 3,282 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

AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact the area, with major ones including 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 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 2.7% over the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 4.5%. As of December 2025, 5,676 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.3%. Notably, 38.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with a particularly high concentration in education & training at 1.3 times the regional average. Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence, at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

The ratio of workers to residents is 0.6, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and November 2025, employment increased by 4.5% while the labour force grew by 4.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of 2.4%, 2.8%, and 0.3 percentage points respectively. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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 these are simple extrapolations 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 than average national income level according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Oakleigh is $57,390 and the average income stands at $73,515. For Greater Melbourne, these figures are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $62,125 (median) and $79,580 (average). Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Oakleigh are around the 61st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 29.9% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, however strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Oakleigh displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Oakleigh, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.9% houses and 38.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakleigh was at 32.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (31.9%) or rented (35.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Oakleigh was $2,100, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Oakleigh was $410, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Oakleigh's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.8% of all households, including 31.4% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 5.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

In Oakleigh, the educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 years and above, 42.0% possess university qualifications, compared to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. This educational advantage is reflected in the prevalence of bachelor degrees (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 in Oakleigh, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (9.0%), primary education (7.3%), and secondary education (6.4%).

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 stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 35 individual routes that provide 11,300 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with train use at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 38.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,614 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 179 weekly trips per individual stop.

Oakleigh's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Oakleigh residents have shown relatively positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis.

Mortality rates and health conditions in Oakleigh are largely comparable to national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is prevalent, with approximately 56% of the total population (~5,222 people) having it. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Oakleigh, affecting 8.0 and 6.7% of residents respectively. About 73.0% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Oakleigh has 15.8% of its population aged 65 and over (1,477 people). While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally 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 cultural diversity is notable, with 40.2% of its population born overseas and 43.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Oakleigh, accounting for 51.9% of people. While this is similar to Greater Melbourne's 51.6%, Judaism is slightly overrepresented in Oakleigh at 0.9%, compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, English (16.5%) and Australian (15.1%) are the most common, followed by Greek (12.8%), which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 2.7%. Other notable ethnic groups include Russian at 0.6% in Oakleigh versus 0.4% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.8%, and Italian at 5.8% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

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

Oakleigh has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented in Oakleigh at 15.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. However, the 5-14 age cohort is less prevalent in Oakleigh at 9.0%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.4% to 15.6% of Oakleigh's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Oakleigh's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 677 people and reaching a total of 2,314 from its current figure of 1,636.