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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Ripponlea has an estimated 1,859 residents, up from 1,532 at the 2021 Census — a change of 327 people, or 21.3%. Growth has averaged 2.1% a year over five years, faster than 91% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 81.0% of that increase. That puts 6,410 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS population revisions alongside new address validations since the Census, the suburb of Ripponlea has an estimated population of approximately 1,859 as of Aug 2026. This indicates an expansion of 327 people (21.3%) relative to the 1,532 people recorded in the 2021 Census. Such movement is determined from the 1,852 resident figure calculated following the ABS ERP release (June 2025) and 4 validated new addresses established post-Census. With a density of 6,410 persons per square kilometer, the suburb ranks within the upper 10% of AreaSearch's national coverage, underscoring intense land demand.
Outperforming both the Victorian benchmark (9.5%) and national figures, the suburb of Ripponlea's 21.3% growth since the 2021 census positions it as a standout performer, with overseas arrivals supplying roughly 81.0% of these demographic additions across recent periods. Projections generated by the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (anchored to 2022) serve as AreaSearch's primary modeling foundation for SA2 localities, supplemented by 2023 Victorian Government Regional/LGA figures aggregated via weighted techniques where direct data is absent. These age-specific cohorts are mapped across the 2032 to 2041 horizon. Looking ahead, long-term trends place the suburb of Ripponlea among the top quartile of analyzed statistical units, with aggregated SA2 estimates projecting an addition of 449 persons by 2041, representing an overall expansion of 23.8% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Statistical building permit data evaluated by AreaSearch indicates that Ripponlea averages roughly 2 approved residential dwellings annually, accumulating 13 approvals over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and recording 28 so far in FY-25. Because an average of 4.4 new residents arrived for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), local additions trail underlying demand, exerting upward price movement and fostering buyer rivalry. Concurrently, an average construction value of $686,000 demonstrates builder concentration on upscale, higher-tier residences, while $128,000 in commercial approvals logged this financial year highlights the district's overwhelmingly residential orientation.
Per capita building volume in Ripponlea tracks 58.0% below the regional average across Greater Melbourne. While this restricted supply supports valuations across the existing property stock, recent delivery rates have picked up momentum. Recent construction has consisted entirely of medium-to-high density formats, creating entry points for downsizers, newcomers, and investors. This shift represents a divergence from the prevailing structural baseline of 21.0% houses, reflecting spatial constraints alongside evolving buyer preferences. Furthermore, generating one approval for roughly every 126 people underlines an active development profile. Projections indicate that Ripponlea will gain 442 residents by 2041 relative to the newest AreaSearch quarterly baseline. Should building approvals persist at current paces, housing volume could fall short of resident inflows, likely intensifying competition among purchasers and sustaining upward value momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ripponlea
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 120 current infrastructure and development projects close to Ripponlea, worth an estimated $4.82 billion. 36 are already under construction and 41 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local capital works, master plans, and regional projects exert considerable influence over neighbourhood trajectories. While AreaSearch has identified no major projects likely to generate localized shifts, relevant broader initiatives include the Elwood Main Drain Duplication Project, Metro Tunnel Network Upgrades - Sandringham, Werribee and Williamstown Cross-City Service, 97 Alma Road by Neometro, and the Glen Eira Infrastructure Program 2024-25.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Elsternwick Gardens (Former ABC Studios)
Redevelopment of the former ABC Studios site into the Elsternwick Gardens mixed-use neighbourhood by Milieu and Besen. The approved project comprises six residential buildings with up to 180 apartments following a 2025 amendment, food and drink premises, extensive landscaped gardens, public open space, retention and relocation of the historic broadcast tower, and direct integration with the neighbouring Rippon Lea Estate.
Elwood Main Drain Duplication Project
This critical 660m flood mitigation project involves duplicating the existing Elwood Main Drain using dual 4.2m x 2.1m pre-cast concrete culverts. The initiative aims to significantly reduce flood risk for over 500 properties within the Elster Creek catchment. Key components include a new drain inlet at Elsternwick Park, a diversion structure in Elster Creek, and a new beach outlet that involves doubling the width of the Elwood Pier. As of April 2026, utility service relocations and site investigations have commenced, with main construction activity scheduled to begin in mid-2026.
Small Parks Program - Balaclava/St Kilda East
City of Port Phillip's Small Parks Program is delivering and expanding a series of pocket parks across Balaclava and St Kilda East to address one of Melbourne's lowest levels of public open space. Individual sites are progressing through staged design and construction, with Lansdowne Road under construction during 2026 and other locations at varying delivery stages.
191-193 Carlisle Street Mixed Development
5-level boutique block comprising 8 x 2-bedroom apartments, 1 x 1-bedroom apartment, basement parking, lobby and 2 retail shops at ground level. Approved plans and permits in place. The development at 191-193 Carlisle Street, Balaclava VIC 3183 is a low-rise project with 1 building, 5 floors, and 9 residences.
14 Alma Road Mixed-Use Development
A 15-storey mixed-use high-rise development featuring 94 residences, including one and two-bedroom apartments. The project includes ground-floor retail and food premises, three levels of basement parking for 78 vehicles, and a communal rooftop garden with organic waste facilities.
St Kilda Pier Foreshore Upgrade
City of Port Phillip foreshore works extending the St Kilda Pier landside entrance to Jacka Boulevard to create a new visitor arrival space and improve links between the pier, promenade, Catani Gardens, Bay Trail and nearby attractions. Works include a paved plaza, new planting and seating nooks, additional green space, upgraded car park entry and exit, wayfinding, public lighting, stormwater drainage, Bay Trail safety improvements, tour bus drop-off and pick-up facilities, and preparation for kiosk removal.Construction has commenced, Sea Baths car park entry works are complete, and further Jacka Boulevard foreshore works are continuing.
Coles Carlisle Street Precinct Development
Mixed-use development by Coles Group Property Developments following the approved purchase of council-owned land and laneways. The project includes a contemporary full-line supermarket, a new underground car park to replace existing public surface spaces, new retail shops, residential apartments, and at least 250 square meters of new public open space.
25 Sandham Street Townhouses
Boutique townhouse development by Coff Property on an 1800 square metre site in the sought-after suburb of Elsternwick. The luxury residential project is in early planning stages and will feature contemporary townhouse design in a highly desirable location close to Elsternwick Village, train station, tram lines, shops, dining, and amenities. The project represents Coff Property's commitment to medium-density residential development in Melbourne's inner south.
1,276 residents of Ripponlea are employed, from a labour force of 1,335. Unemployment sits at 4.4%, with participation at 85.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 1,478, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour pool is characterized by advanced educational qualifications, notable tech sector representation, an unemployment level of 4.4%, and an estimated 6.8% annual rise in workforce numbers per AreaSearch statistical aggregation. As of March 2026, 1,276 residents are employed, maintaining an unemployment rate 0.3% under Greater Melbourne's 4.8%, while participation registers at an elevated 85.4% against the regional 70.1%. Additionally, Census returns indicated that 48.2% of workers operated from home, though pandemic-related movement restrictions should be noted. Primary fields of resident employment include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
Professional & technical roles exhibit significant local concentration, capturing 1.5 times the regional average share. Conversely, construction represents only 5.3% of the resident workforce, trailing Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Comparison between the Census daytime working tally and the resident base indicates limited commercial job capacity contained directly within the neighbourhood. Drawing on ABS and SALM metrics, the local labour force grew by 6.4% while overall employment climbed 6.8% over the 12-month period, lowering the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. This improvement diverged from Greater Melbourne, where unemployment rose 0.2 percentage points as employment advanced 2.1% against labour force expansion of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's Mar-26 national employment outlooks provide additional context on future labour demand. Nationwide projections anticipate 6.6% growth across five years and 13.7% across ten years, with sector-specific trends varying. Applying these industry weightings to Ripponlea's employment base yields projected local job growth of 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (note that this represents a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Ripponlea is $2,023 a week (about $105,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,190 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $61,238 a year against an average of $89,103. The average runs 46% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Aggregated ATO data from financial year 2023 positions resident taxpayer compensation at elite tiers nationwide. Taxpayers record a median income of $61,238 and an average income of $89,103, outperforming Greater Melbourne benchmarks of $57,688 and $75,164. Factoring in 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, modeled figures reach $67,129 (median) and $97,675 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, individual weekly earnings of $1,190 placed the area in the 90th national percentile. The dominant bracket captures 32.8% of individuals earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (609 residents), aligning with the 32.8% regional proportion, while 30.8% receive above $3,000 weekly.
Housing takes up 16.6% of income, yet robust cash flow keeps disposable funds at the 66th percentile and secures a SEIFA income placement in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Ripponlea had 676 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 21% detached houses and 65% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 48% rented and 21% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $391 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,085 a month, a total housing cost higher than 77% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 19.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the local housing landscape consisted of 20.7% standalone houses alongside 79.3% multi-unit and attached formats (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with the wider Melbourne metro profile of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Outright ownership sat lower than metropolitan levels at 21.3%, with 30.6% of homes under a mortgage and 48.1% tenanted. Median ongoing housing costs stood at $2,085 monthly for mortgages and $391 weekly for rent, exceeding Melbourne metro medians of $2,000 and $390. Across Australia, repayments markedly outstrip the national mortgage benchmark of $1,863 and the national rental level of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Ripponlea counted 676 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 820 today, averaging 2.2 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 86% of areas nationally, against 25% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 0.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families represent the majority of living arrangements at 55.0%, encompassing 25.0% couples without children, 20.3% couples with children, and 7.8% single parent families. The remaining 45.0% comprises non-family residences, split between single-occupant homes (35.8%) and shared group arrangements (9.8%). Average household occupancy stands at 2.2 people, below Greater Melbourne's 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
53.1% of adults in Ripponlea hold a university qualification, including 35.4% with a bachelor degree and 13.3% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 99% of areas nationally. A further 11.8% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Higher education rates in Ripponlea comfortably exceed state and national averages, with 53.1% of people aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 33.4% across VIC and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees constitute the highest proportion at 35.4%, followed by postgraduate awards (13.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Meanwhile, technical and vocational training accounts for 21.8% of formal credentials among residents aged 15+, divided into advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (11.8%). Learning engagement remains robust, with 31.0% of the community undertaking formal studies. This cohort includes 9.1% attending tertiary institutions, 8.9% enrolled in primary education, and 5.5% participating in secondary schooling.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Ripponlea reaches 14 stops on 4 routes, timetabled for about 2,300 services a week. The typical home sits about 90 m from its nearest stop. Trams carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 0.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Network assessments count 14 operational transit stops spanning lightrail and buses within Ripponlea. Across 4 designated routes, the network generates 2,264 weekly passenger trips, providing convenient proximity with residents located an average of 88 meters from a stop. With a commuter flow directed outward from this residential enclave, driving represents the primary travel method at 62%, followed by 20% on trains and 6% on foot. Private motor vehicle access averages 0.7 per dwelling, beneath metropolitan levels, while 48.2% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census under possible COVID-19 influences.
Public transport operations provide an average frequency of 323 daily trips across active corridors, delivering approximately 161 weekly departures for each designated stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
74.2% of residents in Ripponlea report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 81% of areas nationally. 2.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 61.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and chronic disease prevalence, Ripponlea exhibits stellar health outcomes, featuring very low illness rates across age groups. Approximately 62% of the local population (1,151 people) maintains private health insurance, outperforming the Greater Melbourne proportion of 56.7% and the national baseline of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues represent the primary diagnosed medical conditions, documented among 8.3% and 10.5% of the population. A total of 74.2% of residents report no chronic health conditions, exceeding the 72.6% benchmark for Greater Melbourne. The working-age cohort shows notable vitality, while individuals aged 65 and over account for 10.3% of the community (191 people), below the 15.1% regional share.
Health markers among older cohorts remain resilient and consistent with broader national standings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
31.2% of Ripponlea residents were born overseas and 25.1% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (22.9%) and Australian (17.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Demographic indicators reveal elevated cultural variety compared to typical markets, with 31.2% of locals born overseas and 25.1% using a non-English language at home. Christianity forms the largest faith group at 27.3% of residents. A prominent community feature is Judaism, representing 13.5% of the local population compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%. Looking at parental background, the dominant ancestral lineages are English (22.9%), Australian (17.4%), and Other (13.6%). Distinct ethnic concentrations also emerge when benchmarked against regional norms, including Hungarian heritage at 2.2% (vs 0.3%), Polish at 1.8% (vs 0.8%), and Russian at 1.3% (vs 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ripponlea is 34, younger than 82% of areas nationally. 35.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The local profile leans toward younger cohorts, with 25 - 44 year olds making up 39.1% of the community as at August 2026 compared to 32.1% across Greater Melbourne, while seniors aged 65+ comprise 10.3% versus 15.1% regionally. As at August 2026, the median age is estimated at 34, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 3 years younger than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 from that census. The most evident change since the Census appears in the 0 - 24 age bracket, contracting from 30.3% to 29.2%. Looking forward to 2041, residents aged 45 - 64 will drive the bulk of numeric gains, expanding by 46% (adding 187 residents) to 598, while the 65+ cohort will record the quickest proportional rise, growing 63% to reach 313.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ripponlea
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 4 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,532 at the 2021 Census → 1,859 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22179). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.