Selby

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

The estimated population of Selby is around 1,603 as of May 2026, reflecting a decrease of 23 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,626. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population using the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 244 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed about 53.0% of overall population gains recently. 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, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decrease by 31 persons overall, but specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow, with an increase of 48 people anticipated.

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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Selby averaged around 1 new dwelling approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 7 homes. So far in FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $962,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Selby records markedly lower building activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Activity is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, maintaining Selby's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 1075 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Stable or declining population forecasts may indicate less housing pressure in Selby, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects anticipated to 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. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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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 3.3%, lower than the national average. In the past year, employment grew by 1.8%.

As of December 2025941 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation is 73.8%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant 35.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include education & training, construction, and health care & social assistance.

Selby specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, but has a lower proportion of finance & insurance jobs (1.8% vs Greater Melbourne's 4.9%). Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force grew by 1.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4%, but unemployment also rose by 0.3 percentage points. 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 employment mix suggests local growth of 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation and does not account for localized population changes.

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 the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,025 (median) and $80,212 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes rank at the 82nd percentile ($2,282 weekly). Distribution data shows that 35.1% of locals (562 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.8% similarly occupy 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 rank 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 0.0% other dwellings such as apartments or semi-detached homes. This is in contrast to Melbourne metro which had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Selby stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged properties at 60.6% and rented ones at 7.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,983, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Selby was $400, higher than the national average of $375 but below Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Selby's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 17.2%, with lone person households at 13.8% and group households comprising 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 educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 33.8% for residents aged 15+, exceeding the SA3 area average of 23.8% and Australia's rate of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (14.5%) and certificates (22.7%).

Educational participation is high at 31.1%, including primary education (10.0%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (4.8%).

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

Transport analysis indicates nine active public transport stops in Selby, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by seven different routes, collectively facilitating 476 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 505 meters from their nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 90%, with an average vehicle ownership of 2.0 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 35.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, 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% (~893 people) of Selby's total population has private health cover, a rate found to be very high. Mental health issues impact 10.6% and asthma impacts 8.4% of residents, making these the most common medical conditions in the area. 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 (266 people) of Selby's residents are aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but 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%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.2%), Australian (28.1%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Dutch (3.1%) and Hungarian (1.0%) were overrepresented in Selby compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 0.3%, respectively. French was also slightly overrepresented at 0.9%.

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 national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, Selby has an over-representation of the 45-54 age cohort (14.8% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (8.1%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.0% to 5.6%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 12.5% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 10.1% to 8.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Selby's age profile will significantly change. The 85+ age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, growing by 40 people (133%) from 30 to 71. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting Selby's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.