Oakleigh South

Population growth drivers in Oakleigh South are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Oakleigh South as of February 2026 is around 10,624. This reflects a growth of 773 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,851. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 10,520 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 270 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,597 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Oakleigh South's growth rate of 7.8% since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of the national average (9.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 95.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it 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. Future projections anticipate above median population growth, with Oakleigh South expected to expand by 2,380 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Oakleigh South recorded approximately 72 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 364 homes were approved, with an additional 58 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.5 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth. The average value of new dwellings was $610,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $17.9 million, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Building activity showed 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards compact living to offer affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a change from the area's existing housing composition of 84.0% houses. Oakleigh South has around 186 people per dwelling approval, suggesting characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Oakleigh South to add approximately 2,170 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Summerset Oakleigh South, Sandringham Line Service Improvements (part of Metro Tunnel Network Upgrades), Monash Medical Centre Redevelopment, and Canterbury Gardens Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market strength in Oakleigh South positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Oakleigh South has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025. This rate is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%. As of that date, 5,959 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 68.2%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant number of residents work from home, with 32.4% doing so according to Census responses.

The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. However, construction shows lower representation at 8.4%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.9% while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. Labour force grew by 5.0% during this period. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising to 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oakleigh South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Oakleigh South's median income among taxpayers is $54,349. The average income for the suburb is $67,699. Nationally, this is approximately average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Oakleigh South would be approximately $58,833 (median) and $73,284 (average) as of September 2025. According to census data, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,915 weekly), while personal income sits at the 42nd percentile. In terms of income distribution, 31.1% of Oakleigh South's population (3,304 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Oakleigh South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Oakleigh South, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 16.4% comprising semi-detached, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakleigh South stood at 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.9% and rented ones at 23.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Oakleigh South was $418, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Oakleigh South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Oakleigh South has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 75.6% of all households, including 38.6% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 20.6% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 38.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 29.8% and the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas making up 10.3% and certificates 14.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Oakleigh South shows that there are 73 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 16 individual routes providing service to the area. Collectively, these routes facilitate 4,545 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Oakleigh South is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 165 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car, used by 81% of residents, while 10% use the train.

On average, there are 1.4 vehicles owned per dwelling in Oakleigh South. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, specifically 32.4%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 649 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 62 weekly trips per individual stop.

Oakleigh South's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Oakleigh South. Based on AreaSearch's assessment, mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover was approximately 54% of the total population (~5,694 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.0% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 73.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area had 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,082 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Oakleigh South 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 South has a high level of cultural diversity, with 47.2% of its population born overseas and 51.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Oakleigh South, comprising 49.7% of the population. There is an overrepresentation of Judaism in Oakleigh South, making up 2.3% compared to the regional average of 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (14.3%), English (14.1%) and Australian (13.5%). Notably, Greek (11.6%), Sri Lankan (1.4%) and Russian (0.9%) ethnic groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.7%, 0.8% and 0.4% respectively.

Oakleigh South's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Oakleigh South's median age is 40, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Oakleigh South at 9.8%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average. Conversely, the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.2% to 12.1% of the population. However, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Oakleigh South's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 397 people (24%), growing from 1,625 to 2,023. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to grow modestly by 5% (53 people).