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, as of Nov 2025, Oakleigh South's estimated population is around 10,617. This reflects a growth of 766 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' June 2024 ERP data release and an additional 268 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,596 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Oakleigh South's 7.8% growth positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the national average (9.7%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 95.0% of overall gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Oakleigh South statistical area is expected to expand by 2,416 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Oakleigh South shows around 72 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 364 homes were approved, with a further 58 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.5 new residents arrive per new home annually over these years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $610,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaling $17.9 million have been registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity in Oakleigh South. Regarding building types, 47.0% are detached houses and 53.0% are townhouses or apartments.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This change reflects the decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles that require more diverse housing options. With around 186 people per dwelling approval, Oakleigh South exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Oakleigh South is projected to add approximately 2,203 residents by 2041. Current 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could impact this region. 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 likely to be 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 exceptional employment performance in Oakleigh South places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Oakleigh South has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 4.9%. As of September 2025, 5,964 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% and workforce participation similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

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. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% during this period. State-level data to November 25 shows Victorian employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 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, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Oakleigh South's median taxpayer income is $54,349 and average is $67,699. Nationally, this is approximately average. Greater Melbourne has a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Using Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, current estimates for Oakleigh South are approximately $58,833 (median) and $73,284 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,915 weekly), personal income at the 42nd percentile. In Oakleigh South, 31.1% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional trends where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 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 strong rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Oakleigh South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership stood at 39.2%, with 36.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 23.9% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was $418. Nationally, Oakleigh South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Oakleigh South has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.7 people

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 20.6% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 38.3%, higher than the SA4 region average of 29.8% and the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 at 10.3% and certificates at 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

Transport analysis shows 73 active transport stops in Oakleigh South, with a mix of bus services. These stops are covered by 16 routes, offering 4545 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents usually within 165 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 649 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 62 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Oakleigh South is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Oakleigh South shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly residents, with low prevalence rates for common conditions.

Its private health cover rate is approximately 54%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~5,690 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.0%) and asthma (6.1%), while 73.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Melbourne. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 19.2% (2,038 people) of the population. Senior health outcomes align with those of 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 high 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 people. Judaism is overrepresented, making up 2.3% compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

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%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of None%.

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

Oakleigh South has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. 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 year-olds are under-represented at 10.7%. Between 2021 and now, the population of 15 to 24-year-olds has grown from 10.2% to 11.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Oakleigh South's age profile. The 25-34 age group is expected to expand by 376 people (23%), growing from 1,656 to 2,033. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 6%, adding 31 people.