Olinda (Vic.)

Olinda is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of Olinda, Vic., as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and address validation, was around 1,759 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 1,773 people, a change inferred from the resident population estimate of 1,745 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024). The current population density is approximately 83 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed about 64.0% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 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 population trends suggest lower quartile growth, with Olinda expected to grow by 35 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 1.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Olinda

Olinda has seen minimal dwelling approvals in recent years.

Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 1 home was approved, with none so far in FY26. This low activity contrasts with Greater Melbourne and national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. The scarcity of new dwellings typically reinforces demand and prices for existing properties.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Mount Dandenong Tourist Road Landslide Repair Works, Six Senses Resort And Spa At Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, and Sherbrooke Children's Centre Services. The following 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.

Employment performance in Olinda exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Olinda has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year. As of June 2025933 residents are employed, with a 1.5% lower unemployment rate compared to Greater Melbourne and similar workforce participation at 64.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, Olinda has 1.3 times the regional average employment in education & training but only 1.9% employment in finance & insurance compared to the regional 4.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, with a concurrent 0.1% employment decline, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point fall in unemployment rate compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.5 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Olinda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Olinda's median income among taxpayers was $52,512 in financial year 2022, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $73,141 during this period. For comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761 in the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Olinda's median income would be approximately $58,897 as of September 2025, with average income estimated at around $82,035 during the same period. Census data indicates that incomes in Olinda cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.0% of residents (527 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the regional figure of 32.8%. Economic strength is evident with 30.7% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing expenses, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Olinda's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Olinda stood at 38.6%, higher than Melbourne metro's level, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.9% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, above the Melbourne metro average of $1,950, while median weekly rent was $398 compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Olinda's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Olinda has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.5% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.7.

Olinda shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Olinda's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 38.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 23.8% in the SA3 area and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 15.2%, and certificates make up 19.7%.

Educational participation is high in Olinda, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education. Olinda Primary School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 13 students. The school's Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) is 936. There is one primary school in Olinda, focusing exclusively on primary education, while secondary options are available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited, with only 0.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, indicating many families travel for schooling.

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

Analysis of public transport in Olinda shows 18 active transport stops currently operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing a total of 617 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located approximately 421 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 88 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop.

Olinda's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Olinda's health data shows positive outcomes with common conditions prevalent across both young and old residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 56%, or about 980 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 52.4%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (9.3%) and mental health concerns (9.0%). Around 68% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 66.9%. Olinda has a larger senior population at 22.7%, or 399 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Health outcomes for seniors in Olinda are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Olinda ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Olinda's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.5% of its population born in Australia, 88.9% being citizens, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Olinda, comprising 31.3% of people. Judaism, however, was overrepresented, making up 0.7% compared to 0.1% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.0%), Australian (25.7%), and Scottish (9.6%). Notably, French (1.3%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.5%, as were Russian (0.5%) and Polish (0.9%) residents.

Olinda hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Olinda is 45 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Olinda has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.2%). This concentration of the 65-74 age group is notably above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Olinda's population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.5% to 6.3%, while the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 9.4% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 8.7% to 6.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Olinda's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 221%, reaching 79 people from the current 24. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting Olinda's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.