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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of Oakleigh as of Feb 2026 is around 9,350. This reflects a growth of 908 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,442. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,208 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 123 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in 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 of 9.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 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, the suburb of Oakleigh is projected to have a population increase of 3,463 persons, reflecting an overall 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 in Oakleigh shows an average of around 26 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 131 homes were approved, with a further 52 approved so far in FY-26. This analysis estimates that about 4.4 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

The demand significantly exceeds the new supply, which 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, 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, indicating limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This is below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 30% detached dwellings and 70% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 62% houses.

This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 372 people per dwelling approval, Oakleigh indicates a developed market. Future projections estimate Oakleigh to add approximately 3,354 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely 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 likely to impact the area, with key ones being 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 considered 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 an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.8%. As of September 2025, 5621 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne at 71.0%. Home workership stood at 38.9% based on Census responses. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training had notably high representation with levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence at 3.2%, compared to the regional average of 5.2%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.8% and labour force grew by 4.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.1%. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0%, labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment rose to 4.7%. 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 Oakleigh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 the latest Australian Taxation Office 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, compared 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 between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,795 residents), 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, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Advantage (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

Dwelling structure in Oakleigh, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 61.9% houses and 38.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakleigh was at 32.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged at 31.9% or rented at 35.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as recorded in June 2021, was $2,100, while the median weekly rent figure was $410. This compared to Melbourne metro's figures of $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Oakleigh's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported in June 2021, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375 recorded in the same period.

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

Educational attainment in Oakleigh is notably high, with 42.0% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the SA4 region average of 29.8% and the Australian average of 30.4%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its strong representation of Bachelor degrees (26.0%), postgraduate qualifications (12.7%), and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways are also well-represented, with advanced diplomas accounting for 10.8% and certificates for 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 that in Oakleigh there are 63 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of buses along 35 individual routes, collectively providing 11,300 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to Oakleigh being primarily residential. The dominant mode of transport for commuting is car at 77%, while train accounts for 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 38.9% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting 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's health data shows positive results, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health conditions are less prevalent among Oakleigh's general population compared to the national average, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~5,222 people) of Oakleigh residents have private health cover, the highest rate in Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues (8.0%) and arthritis (6.7%) are the most common conditions, with 73.0% of residents reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Oakleigh has 15.6% (1,458 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges but ranking lower nationally compared to 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 dominant religion in Oakleigh, accounting for 51.9% of people, while Judaism is slightly overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. The top three ancestry groups are English (16.5%), Australian (15.1%), and Greek (12.8%), with the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 2.7%.

Other notable ethnic group representations 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 averages of 0.8% and 5.2% respectively.

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

The median age in Oakleigh is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Oakleigh has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.9%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 13.4% to 15.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 13.9% to 12.3%. By 2041, Oakleigh's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 2,310 residents from 1,626.