Selby

Selby has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, Selby's population is estimated at around 1,621 people, reflecting a decrease of 5 individuals since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,626. This estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 247 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Selby, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, it utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing 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. Over this period, projections indicate an overall population decline of 39 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 age group are anticipated to grow by 61 people.

The level of residential development activity in Selby is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Selby shows an average of around 1 new dwelling approval annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 7 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $962,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Selby records significantly lower building activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Selby's activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints or area maturity. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Selby's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1074 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Selby may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Selby has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Key projects include South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, Additional VLocity Trains, EastLink Freeway Noble Park Section, and Cranbourne Line Upgrade, with the following list providing details on those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Selby well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Selby has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.2% and it experienced a 2.3% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch). As of December 2025, Selby's unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, with workforce participation at 74.5%.

A high proportion, 35.1%, work from home (Census data), though Covid-19 impacts should be considered. Key industries include education & training, construction, and health care & social assistance. Selby has a strong specialization in education & training (1.7 times the regional level) but finance & insurance is under-represented (1.8% vs Greater Melbourne's 4.9%). Employment opportunities locally appear limited, indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 2.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch). In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4% but unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Selby's industry mix suggests local employment growth of 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Selby had a median taxpayer income of $56,582 and an average income of $73,173 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, current estimates would be approximately $61,250 (median) and $79,210 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes in Selby rank at the 82nd percentile ($2,282 weekly). The predominant income cohort spans 35.1% of locals (568 people), earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, which is similar to the broader area where 32.8% fall into this range. The district demonstrates affluence with 33.9% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income, while strong earnings place residents within the 84th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Selby's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other types such as semi-detached properties or apartments. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's mix of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Selby stood at 32.3%, surpassing Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (60.6%) or rented (7.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Selby was $1,983, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Selby was recorded at $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Selby's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Selby features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 82.8% of all households, including 44.9% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for 17.2%, with lone person households at 13.8% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Selby demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rates are notable, with 33.8% of residents aged 15+ having such qualifications, surpassing both the SA3 area average of 23.8% and Australia's national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding these, including advanced diplomas (14.5%) and certificates (22.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education for 10.0%, secondary education for 9.5%, and tertiary education for 4.8%.

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

Selby has nine active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 476 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 505 meters from their nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages two per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 35.1% of Selby's residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 68 trips per day, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Selby is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Selby demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~903 people) of Selby's total population has private health cover, a rate found to be very high. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.6 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Sixteen point six percent of Selby's residents are aged 65 and over (269 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Selby's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.3% of its population born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Selby, comprising 27.2% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.2%, regional average: 20.1%), Australian (28.1%, regional average: 18.4%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Dutch (3.1% vs region's 1.2%), Hungarian (1.0% vs 0.3%), and French (0.9% vs 0.5%) were also overrepresented.

Selby's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Selby 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 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Selby at 15.0%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.0% to 5.8% of Selby's population, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 0.7% to 1.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 10.1% to 7.2%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Selby's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 39 people (43%) from 94 to 134. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting Selby's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.