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 suburb of Oakleigh South had an estimated population of 10,624 as of Feb 2026. This reflected a growth of 773 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,851. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 10,520 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 270 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,597 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Oakleigh South's growth rate of 7.8% since the census was within 2.1 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 used VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to have an above median population growth, expanding by 2,381 persons, reflecting a total increase of 21.4% 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 shows Oakleigh South recorded approximately 72 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 363 homes were approved, with another 61 in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.5 new residents per year arrived for each new home over the past five financial 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 of new dwellings is $610,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $17.9 million, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. New building activity comprises 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 84.0% houses.

This change suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles requiring more diverse and affordable housing options. Oakleigh South exhibits characteristics of a growth area with around 186 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add approximately 2,277 residents by 2041. Construction pace appears reasonable given projected growth; however, buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

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

Twenty-two infrastructure projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Notable projects 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 likely to be 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 exceptional employment performance in Oakleigh South places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Oakleigh South has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.6%.

The area's unemployment rate is below Greater Melbourne's, standing at 2.7% compared to 4.8%, but workforce participation is lower at 68.7% versus Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A significant proportion 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.

Construction shows lower representation than the regional average at 8.4% versus 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From December 2024 to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6%, labour force grew by 4.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 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 localised population projections.

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

As per 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 is $67,699. Nationally, the median and average incomes are approximately similar to Oakleigh South's figures. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,833 (median) and $73,284 (average). According to census data, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,915 weekly), while personal income sits at the 42nd percentile. In Oakleigh South, 31.1% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Oakleigh South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakleigh South was at 39.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (36.9%) or rented (23.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $418, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Oakleigh South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 20.6% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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 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 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

Public transport analysis shows 73 active stops operating in Oakleigh South, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 4545 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars at 81%, while 10% use trains. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 32.4% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 649 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 62 weekly trips per 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. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~5,694 people), leading the average SA2 area but slightly below Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.0%) and asthma (6.1%), while 73.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Oakleigh South has a higher proportion of seniors, with 19.8% aged 65 and over (2,103 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with national rankings.

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 predominant religion in Oakleigh South, accounting for 49.7% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 2.3% of Oakleigh South's population versus the regional average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (14.3%), English (14.1%), and Australian (13.5%). Notably, Greek (11.6%) and Sri Lankan (1.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Oakleigh South compared to Greater Melbourne's averages of 2.7% and 0.8%, respectively. Additionally, Russian ethnicity is slightly higher at 0.9%.

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, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.2% to 12.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.5% to 11.2%. By 2041, Oakleigh South's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 415 people (26%), from 1,625 to 2,041.