Oakleigh South

Population growth drivers in Oakleigh South are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The estimated population of Oakleigh South, as of November 2025, is around 10,772 people. This reflects a growth of 921 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,851 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,656, following an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 268 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,619 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oakleigh South's growth rate of 9.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. The primary driver of this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For population projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia's projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 2,410 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 19.0% in total 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 75 residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 378 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 0.4 new residents arriving per new home over the past five financial years.

The average value of new dwellings is $601,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY-26, $37.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Building activity shows 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 84.0% houses. This suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 206 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 2,042 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 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 24 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Monash Medical Centre Redevelopment, Sandringham Line Service Improvements (part of Metro Tunnel Network Upgrades), Summerset Oakleigh South, and Canterbury Gardens Estate. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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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 was 2.0% in the year ending June 2025, showing an estimated employment growth of 4.5%.

This rate is 2.6% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%, with workforce participation being broadly similar at 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services, while construction shows lower representation at 8.4% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Employment levels in Oakleigh South increased by 4.5% during the year to June 2025, with labour force increasing by 4.6%, and unemployment remaining essentially unchanged.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years for Oakleigh South's employment mix, based on simple weighting extrapolation.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Oakleigh South's median taxpayer income is $54,377 and the average is $67,718. This is higher than the national average. Greater Melbourne has a median of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,989 (median) and $75,953 (average). Census data indicates household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,915 weekly), with personal income at the 42nd percentile. Income distribution shows 31.1% of Oakleigh South's population (3,350 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. 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

The dwelling structure in Oakleigh South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metro area had 0.0% houses and 0.0% 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, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent was $418, compared to Melbourne metro's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Oakleigh South's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,200 against 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 median household size of 2.7 people

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 account for 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% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the SA4 region average of 29.8% and Australia's 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 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. Oakleigh South has three schools with a combined enrollment of 2,350 students. The area's socio-educational advantages and academic achievement are demonstrated by its ICSEA score of 1110. Educational provision is balanced with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. There are 21.8 school places per 100 residents, indicating strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Analysis of public transport in Oakleigh South shows 73 active transport stops operating. These are served by a mix of buses along 16 individual routes, providing a total of 7,203 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,029 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 98 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 better-than-average health results, with both younger and older residents having low rates of common health issues.

About 54% (~5,773 individuals) have private health insurance, which is relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 7.0% of residents) and asthma (6.1%). A significant majority, 73.1%, report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Melbourne overall. Around 19.2% (~2,068 individuals) are aged 65 or older. Seniors' health outcomes align well 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 47.2% born overseas and 51.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 49.7%. Judaism, however, is significantly overrepresented at 2.3%, compared to none across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three 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 in Oakleigh South compared to regional averages of none for each group.

Oakleigh South's median age exceeds the national pattern

Oakleigh South's median age is 40, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 37 and Australia's 38 years. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented at 9.8%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Oakleigh South's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 353 people (29%), growing from 1,217 to 1,571. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort grows modestly by 2% (21 people).