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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Oakleigh South's population is estimated at around 10,798 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 947 people (9.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,851 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,767, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 272 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,623 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oakleigh South's 9.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.3%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 95.0% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 2,217 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 20.2% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Oakleigh South when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Oakleigh South recorded approximately 72 residential properties granted approval per year. Around 363 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 98 approved so far in FY-26. On average, one new resident arrived per new home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average expected construction cost of these dwellings was $610,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment. This year has seen $17.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Building activity comprises 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 84.0% houses. This change may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

Oakleigh South has around 188 people per dwelling approval, suggesting characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate an addition of 2,186 residents by 2041. Construction pace is keeping up with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

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

AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 projects that could impact the area's performance. Notable ones include Summerset Oakleigh South, Canterbury Gardens Estate, 1148-1150 Centre Road Mixed Use Development, and 2-4 Grange Street Oakleigh South Development. 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, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%.

Out of its 6,198 residents in work, 32.4% worked from home according to Census responses. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Conversely, 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 December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, labour force grew by 5.5%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Oakleigh South's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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, released for financial year 2023, shows Oakleigh South's median taxpayer income is $54,349 and average is $67,699. This is roughly national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $59,577 (median) and $74,212 (average). Census data indicates household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,915 weekly), personal income at the 42nd percentile. Income distribution shows 31.1% of population (3,358 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. Oakleigh South'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 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 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 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 constitute 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, 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 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 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, including 8.6% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, 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 transport stops operating within Oakleigh South. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 16 individual routes. They collectively facilitate 4545 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with train use at 10%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 32.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 649 trips per day 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.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~5,787 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Greater Melbourne at 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.0%) and asthma (6.1%), while 73.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, comparable to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Oakleigh South has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,062 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are 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 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, making up 49.7% of people. Notably, Judaism comprises 2.3% of the population, higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (14.3%), English (14.1%), and Australian (13.5%). Greek (11.6%) is notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.7%. Sri Lankan representation is also higher at 1.4% versus 0.8%, and Russian at 0.9% compared to 0.4%.

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

The median age in Oakleigh South is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Oakleigh South at 9.6%, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group grew from 10.2% to 12.1% of the population, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 14.9% to 16.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.5% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Oakleigh South. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 419 people and reaching a total of 2,169 from 1,749. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow by 9%, with an increase of 49 residents.