Selby

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Selby's population is estimated at around 1,621 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 5 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,626 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,613, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 247 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 53.0% 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. As we examine future population trends, over this period projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 46 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 60 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 indicates an average of approximately one new dwelling approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling around six homes. As of FY26, there has been one recorded approval so far. Despite a decrease in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction value of new properties is $962,000, suggesting that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Selby records significantly lower building activity, which is 81.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties in the area. Additionally, recent development has been exclusively standalone homes, maintaining Selby's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population density is 1616 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Selby may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable 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 highlighting those most likely to be pertinent.

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 significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%. Compared to Greater Melbourne's unemployment rate of 4.7%, Selby's was 1.5% lower, while workforce participation was 68.6%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries in Selby include education & training, construction, and health care & social assistance, with a notable specialization in the former (1.7 times the regional level). However, finance & insurance is under-represented, comprising only 1.8% of Selby's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while the labour force grew by 1.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Statewide in Victoria as of 25-Nov-25, employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.14%, and the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Selby's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population growth.

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 of $73,173 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than average nationally, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,250 (median) and $79,210 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household incomes rank exceptionally at the 82nd percentile ($2,282 weekly). Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 35.1% of locals (568 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 33.9% earning over $3,000 per week. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 84th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Selby is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Selby's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings recorded. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's composition of 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Selby stood at 32.3%, lower than Melbourne metro's level. Most dwellings were mortgaged (60.6%) or rented (7.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,983, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Selby was $400, exceeding both Melbourne metro's ($380) and the national figure ($375).

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 17.2%, with lone person households at 13.8% and group households at 3.4%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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 rate is 33.8%, higher than the SA3 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 held by 37.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 14.5% and certificates at 22.7%.

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

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

Public transport analysis indicates nine active transport stops operating within Selby, composed of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by seven individual routes, collectively facilitating 476 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically situated 505 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Selby's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Selby residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages.

Approximately 56% (~903 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 53.1%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.6 and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 66.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 66.9%. Selby has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.7% (254 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than 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 and 91.6% being citizens. English was spoken as the sole language at home by 94.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 27.2% of Selby's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestral groups were English (29.2%), Australian (28.1%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 3.1% in Selby versus 3.2% regionally, Hungarian at 1.0% versus 0.3%, and French at 0.9% versus 0.5%.

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 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Selby at 14.9%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. Between 2021 and present day, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.0% to 5.2% of Selby's population, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 7.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Selby's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 48 people (58%) from 84 to 133. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 88% of total population growth, reflecting Selby's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.