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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Oakleigh East has an estimated 7,281 residents, up from 6,804 at the 2021 Census — a change of 477 people, or 7.0%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 91.0% of that increase. That puts 3,535 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Oakleigh East's population is estimated at around 7,281 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 477 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,804 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,274, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,534 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. the suburb of Oakleigh East's 7.0% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the state (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 2,478 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting reflecting an increase of 33.9% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
144 new dwellings have been approved in Oakleigh East over the past five years, an average of 28 a year. That is 4.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 29 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 34% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 50, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Property indicators from local statistical data show the suburb of Oakleigh East averages about 28 approved dwellings per year, totaling 144 residential approvals over the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25, alongside 46 approvals during FY-26. A ratio of 1.4 new occupants per finished home over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25 points to balanced supply and demand conditions, though recent data highlights an uptick to 5.2 individuals per dwelling during the past 2 financial years, indicating growing interest and capacity limits. Construction costs for these fresh properties average $585,000, signaling a developer focus on high-quality projects.
Furthermore, commercial approvals reached $2.5 million this financial year, underscoring the residential nature of the locality. Compared to the broader Melbourne metro area, the rate of residential approvals per capita in the suburb of Oakleigh East is roughly three-quarters of the regional average, ranking in the 35th percentile nationwide and pointing to limited choices for buyers, which supports interest in established properties. Approved building plans show 34.0% detached homes and 66.0% denser multi-dwelling formats. This tilt toward denser development creates accessible price points for first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers. It marks a shift from current local housing stock, which is 69.0% traditional houses, showing fewer vacant development sites and changing lifestyle needs. A figure of 484 people per dwelling approval characterizes this as a mature urban market. Long-term forecasts suggest the suburb of Oakleigh East will add 2,471 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates. At current construction velocities, housing additions may fall short of demographic growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Oakleigh East
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Oakleigh East. A further 113 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $87.9 billion. 29 are already under construction and 33 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects play a major role in regional performance, with 6 key projects identified as having a potential impact. Significant developments include Suburban Rail Loop East, the mixed-use development at 409 Clayton Road, Caulfield to Rowville Trackless Rapid Transit, and the expansion of the Monash Medical Centre.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Monash Medical Centre Tower Expansion Project
A $535 million major redevelopment delivering a new seven-storey clinical services tower constructed above the existing emergency department. Main works commenced in early 2026, featuring a state-of-the-art operating theatre complex, an intensive care unit, and expanded maternity services.
New Clayton Campus Student Accommodation
New student accommodation being developed in the North East Precinct of the Clayton campus, alongside College Walk and north of Jock Marshall Reserve. Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows, the hybrid cross-laminated timber project features a 252-bed hall to enhance the on-campus living experience and expand capacity for Monash University students. Construction commenced in February 2026.
Larkins Hall - Monash University Clayton Campus Student Accommodation
A new seven-storey, 252-bed student accommodation hall in the North East Precinct of Monash University's Clayton campus, alongside College Walk and north of Jock Marshall Reserve. The building has been named Larkins Hall in honour of former Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins AC. The sustainable, all-electric development spans approximately 7,900 square metres and features single-occupancy ensuite rooms with floor-by-floor communal kitchens, winter gardens, study zones and lounges, a wellness hub, sports court, bike arrival station, laundry, music and gaming rooms, parcel lockers, and mobility-accessible units.Construction commenced on 3 February 2026, with completion targeted for mid-2027. The development is a key initiative under Monash's Student Accommodation Strategy to address growing demand for high-quality residential capacity.
151-161 Forster Road Industrial Development
Development of 10,750sqm super prime industrial warehousing featuring single or dual tenancy capability (5,335sqm, 5,415sqm, or 10,750sqm), 14.6m high-clearance warehouse, significant 15m awning for all weather loading, dual level corporate office space with natural light, 31.5m hardstand with B-double access, recessed loading docks and on grade roller doors. Located within the growing Monash Technology Precinct with unrivalled connectivity to M1 Monash Freeway (250m away).
Summerset Oakleigh South
Construction is actively underway on the premium Summerset Oakleigh South retirement village and aged care facility, featuring a continuum of care model across 135 units. The development comprises independent living villas and apartments, assisted living apartments, and residential aged care suites, alongside comprehensive community amenities. Major civil and basement works are continuing following the official sod-turning event.
Monash University Campus Centre Redevelopment
Major redevelopment of Monash University's Clayton campus centre as part of the broader campus master plan. The project includes new student facilities, multi-disciplinary learning spaces, community amenities, and dining facilities to support over 50,000 students. The broader campus developments also include new residential halls (1000+ beds) and research facilities.
Caulfield-Rowville Trackless Rapid Transit
Proposed 19 km battery-electric trackless rapid transit corridor linking Caulfield Station and Rowville via Chadstone Shopping Centre and Monash University Clayton. The proposal was developed by Monash University and Vicinity Centres and would use dedicated road space, 13 proposed stations and high-capacity vehicles. The Australian Government is funding a $6 million preliminary business case, listed as in planning with a mid 2023 to mid 2026 planning timetable. No construction funding or delivery commitment has been confirmed for the full $1.4 billion corridor.
Suburban Rail Loop East - Monash Station
An underground twin-platform metro station being built around 20 metres beneath Monash University's Clayton campus, on land north of Normanby Road at the corner of Howleys Road in Notting Hill. The station is one of six on the 26km SRL East line connecting Cheltenham to Box Hill via Monash and Deakin universities. The precinct will include a southern entrance opening towards the university, a northern entrance with an integrated bus interchange off Howleys Road, taxi bays, accessible pick-up and drop-off areas, undercover bicycle parking, retail tenancies, and new pedestrian and cycling links.As of 2026 the worksite is established with site offices and parking in place, network support facilities are advancing, and diaphragm wall construction is underway ahead of station box excavation.
4,439 residents of Oakleigh East are employed, from a labour force of 4,572. Unemployment sits at 2.9%, with participation at 73.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,875, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labor force shows high levels of formal qualifications, with strong representation in professional sectors, a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, and a 4.1% rise in employment over the past year. By March 2026, working residents numbered 4,439, with unemployment sitting 1.9% below the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%, while the participation rate is standard at 73.0% compared to 70.2% regionally. Census records show 32.6% of workers performed their duties from home, though pandemic lockdowns during this period should be noted. The primary employment sectors for residents are healthcare and social assistance, professional and technical services, and education and training.
Conversely, construction employment is lower at 7.4% compared to the regional rate of 9.7%. Comparison of local jobs to resident workers indicates limited employment opportunities within the immediate boundaries of the suburb. Local labor data show employment levels and the total labor force both increased by 4.1% during the year ending March 2026, keeping the unemployment rate steady. Over the same timeframe, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labor force grow by 2.3%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 offer guidance on future local demand. When mapped against the local industry mix, these projections suggest employment among residents could grow by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on national forecasts of 6.6% and 13.7% growth over those periods.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Oakleigh East is $1,951 a week (about $101,000 a year), with median personal income at $822 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,537 a year against an average of $69,861. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax data from FY 2023 indicates local median personal income is $54,537 and the average is $69,861, compared to Greater Melbourne averages of $57,688 and $75,164. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since FY 2023, estimated March 2026 incomes stand at $59,783 for the median and $76,582 for the average. The 2021 Census placed local incomes at the 57th percentile nationally, with the largest group of residents, 35.3% or 2,570 individuals, earning between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the 32.8% recorded across the wider region. Housing costs account for 16.6% of income, leaving disposable income at the 61st percentile and placing the area in the 7th SEIFA income decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Oakleigh East had 2,469 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 69% detached houses and 7% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 36% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $425 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,300 a month. Rent absorbs 21.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the last Census, residential properties in the suburb of Oakleigh East consisted of 69.0% houses and 31.0% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 67.9% and 32.1% in Greater Melbourne. Home ownership was identical to the metropolitan average at 31.6%, with 32.2% of homes mortgaged and 36.1% occupied by tenants. Median monthly mortgage costs were $2,300, which is higher than the metropolitan median of $2,000 and the national median of $1,863. Weekly rents averaged $425, exceeding the Melbourne average of $390 and the Australian average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Oakleigh East counted 2,469 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 2,642 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 20% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 70.9% of households, consisting of 32.6% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 11.3% single parents. Single person households account for 20.3% of homes, and group households represent 9.0%, with non-family households totaling 29.1%. The average household size is 2.6 people, matching the metropolitan average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
43.8% of adults in Oakleigh East hold a university qualification, including 26.6% with a bachelor degree and 14.5% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 79% of areas nationally. A further 13.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 340 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,097 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational qualifications in the suburb of Oakleigh East are high, with 43.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are held by 26.6% of residents, postgraduate degrees by 14.5%, and graduate diplomas by 2.7%. Vocational qualifications are held by 23.1% of the adult population, consisting of 9.8% with advanced diplomas and 13.3% with certificates. A high proportion of residents are students, with 30.7% enrolled in education. This comprises 10.8% in higher education, 7.6% in primary school, and 5.1% in secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Oakleigh East reaches 30 stops on 19 routes, timetabled for about 2,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Oakleigh East contains 30 bus stops serviced by 19 routes, providing 2,746 passenger trips each week. Average distance to a transit stop is 192 meters. Commuting patterns show 81% of workers travel by car and 9% by train, with average vehicle ownership at 1.3 cars per home. A total of 32.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census. Transit services average 392 trips per day across the network, representing approximately 91 weekly departures per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
75.8% of residents in Oakleigh East report no long-term health condition. 6.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
General health indicators are positive, with low rates of chronic illness and mortality compared to national averages, though rates are higher among older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is held by approximately 54% of residents, representing around 3,963 people, which is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 56.7%. The primary diagnosed conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.1% and 5.7% of residents. A total of 75.8% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Residents of working age show low rates of chronic illness, while residents aged 65 and over represent 14.6% of the population, totaling 1,063 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
48.7% of Oakleigh East residents were born overseas and 54.4% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 90% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (13.1%) and Chinese (13.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is high, with 48.7% of the population born outside Australia and 54.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the largest religion at 49.9% of the population, while Judaism is represented by 0.8% of residents compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. The largest ancestry groups are Other at 14.0%, Australian at 13.1% (compared to 18.4% regionally), and Chinese at 13.0% (compared to 6.5% regionally). Other represented backgrounds include Greek ancestry at 11.5% of the population compared to 2.7% regionally, Sri Lankan ancestry at 1.6% compared to 0.8% regionally, and Italian ancestry at 8.7% compared to 5.2% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Oakleigh East is 34, younger than 76% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 36.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 34 years in the suburb of Oakleigh East is younger than the Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. Young adults aged 25 to 34 represent 21.4% of the population, compared to 14.6% nationally, while children aged 5 to 14 represent 9.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the latest estimates, the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 13.0% to 14.8%, and the 25 to 34 group increased from 19.7% to 21.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.5% to 10.9%. Projections for 2041 estimate the 25 to 34 age group will grow by 39%, adding 612 residents to reach 2,171.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Oakleigh East
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 50 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,804 at the 2021 Census → 7,281 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22001). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.