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. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 1,626 people, a change inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,613 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is approximately 247 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, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. These projections indicate a decline in Selby's population by 37 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to grow by 62 people over this period.

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, indicates Selby averaged around 1 new dwelling approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 6 homes. As of FY26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded.

Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction cost value for new properties is $962,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Selby records significantly lower building activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Selby's development activity is also below average, reflecting its mature state and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been exclusively standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1616 people. With stable or declining population forecasts, Selby may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers in the future.

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

No infrastructure changes identified by AreaSearch will influence the area's performance. Zero projects are anticipated to impact the region. Key initiatives include South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, Additional VLocity Trains, EastLink Freeway Noble Park Section, and Cranbourne Line Upgrade.

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

Selby's workforce is well-educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year (AreaSearch data aggregation). As of September 2025937 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is at 73.8%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant 35.1% of residents work from home (Census responses). Key employment industries include education & training, construction, and health care & social assistance. Selby shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while finance & insurance is under-represented at 1.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.9%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally, indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Selby's industry mix suggests local employment should grow by 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

Selby suburb shows median taxpayer income of $56,582 and average of $73,173 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% would be approximately $61,250 (median) and $79,210 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household incomes rank at the 82nd percentile ($2,282 weekly). Distribution shows 35.1% of locals (568 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to broader area's 32.8%. Affluence is evident with 33.9% earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and services. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income. Strong earnings place residents in the 84th percentile for disposable income. 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

The dwelling structure in Selby, as per the latest Census, was entirely houses at 100.0% with no other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's composition of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Selby stood at 32.3%, higher than 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 the Melbourne metro 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 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is 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 rate is 33.8%, exceeding 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 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 education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows nine active transport stops in Selby, all providing bus services. These stops are served by seven different routes, which together offer 476 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 505 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Selby's primarily residential nature, and cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages two per dwelling, higher than 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 across 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. A total of 66.5% 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. Selby has 16.4% (265 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 15.1% 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 population, as of the 8th of August, 2016, was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 84.3% having been born in Australia. This is higher than the Greater Melbourne average. Similarly, 91.6% were citizens and 94.4% spoke English only at home.

Christianity was the dominant religion, with 27.2%, but Judaism showed an overrepresentation of 0.7% compared to the regional average of 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, English (29.2%) and Australian (28.1%) were significantly higher than their respective Greater Melbourne averages of 20.1% and 18.4%. Irish ancestry was also notable at 9.4%. There were notable differences in the representation of Dutch, Hungarian, and French ethnic groups compared to regional averages: Dutch at 3.1% (regional average 1.2%), Hungarian at 1.0% (0.3%), and French at 0.9% (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 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, Selby has a notably over-represented 45-54 age cohort (14.9%) and an under-represented 25-34 age group (7.2%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.0% to 5.7%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 0.7% to 1.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 10.1% to 7.2%. By 2041, Selby's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to expand by 41 people (45%) from 92 to 134. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting Selby's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.