The Basin (Vic.)

The Basin is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of The Basin (Vic.) is estimated to be around 4,483 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 14 people from the 2021 Census total of 4,497. AreaSearch calculated this estimate using ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and three validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 779 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed around 52% of overall population growth in recent periods.

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 to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 160 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.6% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows The Basin has had around 5 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 28 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $780,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Commercial development approvals totalled $1.1 million in FY-26, suggesting minimal commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, The Basin has markedly lower building activity, 73.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, which is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development has comprised entirely standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1120 people. Future projections show The Basin adding 160 residents by 2041, with development keeping reasonable pace with projected growth despite increasing competition as population expands.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Mountain Highway Logistics Hub. Key projects include Angliss Hospital Expansion, Bayswater Business Precinct Transformation Strategy, and Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program. The following details those most relevant.

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

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The employment environment in The Basin shows above-average strength when compared nationally

The Basin's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. Unemployment was 3.8% in the past year, with estimated growth of 2.2%. As of December 2025, 2,539 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 1.0%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Home workership was high at 25.8% based on Census responses. Leading industries were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction had strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 6.0%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities as indicated by working population vs resident population count. Over December 2024 to December 2025, employment increased by 2.2% while labour force grew by 1.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4%, labour force grow by 2.8%, 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 The Basin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, The Basin had a median income among taxpayers of $53,175 and an average level of $64,024. These figures are lower than the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $58,290 (median) and $70,183 (average). The Basin's incomes cluster around the 59th percentile nationally according to the 2021 Census. Income distribution shows that 36.6% of residents fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income. Residents rank in the 70th percentile for disposable income. The Basin's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

The Basin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in The Basin stood at 36.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.9% and rented ones at 10.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent was $365, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, The Basin's mortgage repayments were higher than the average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.6% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.4%, with lone person households at 19.5% and group households making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of The Basin exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 23.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.5%) and certificates (27.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.4% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The Basin has 15 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by three routes that together provide 507 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 263 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 25.8% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 72 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in The Basin are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

The Basin's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,338 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.0 and 8.1% of residents respectively. However, 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (771 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

The Basin's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in The Basin, comprising 39.3% of its population. However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, English was the top group at 30.8%, substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%. Australian ancestry followed at 27.1%, also above the regional average of 18.4%. Scottish ancestry stood at 8.7%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 2.8% compared to the regional 1.2%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.4%, and Hungarian at 0.4% against a regional 0.3%.

The Basin's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The Basin has a median age of 40, which is somewhat higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in The Basin at 13.7%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 14.1% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 9.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests The Basin's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 89 people (105%) from 85 to 175. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.