Belgrave - Selby
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Belgrave - Selby's population is around 10,041 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 36 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 10,005 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,991 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 180 persons per square kilometer. Belgrave - Selby's 0.4% growth since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 53.2% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 239 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 increase by 389 people.

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

Belgrave-Selby has experienced approximately nine dwellings receiving development approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 45 dwellings approved between the financial years 2021 and 2025, and three recorded so far in the financial year 2026. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $962,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

Belgrave-Selby has registered $59.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne and nationally, Belgrave-Selby records markedly lower building activity, which is 78.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in the area has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count of 1497 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

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

Belgrave - Selby has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three major projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include Angliss Hospital Expansion, Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2, Kings Park Masterplan, and South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades.

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

The labour market in Belgrave - Selby demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Belgrave-Selby has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

In the past year, estimated employment growth was 0.8%. As of June 2025, 5,675 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is 69.0%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with the latter having a share 1.4 times higher than the regional level.

Finance & insurance employs only 2.4% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 4.9%. Belgrave-Selby appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. In the past year, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5% and unemployment increase by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National projections forecast total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Belgrave-Selby's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Belgrave - Selby's median income among taxpayers is $57,150. The average income in the area was $73,907 during this period. This places Belgrave - Selby above the national average. Comparing to Greater Melbourne, Belgrave - Selby's median income is higher at $54,892, while the average is similar at $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Belgrave - Selby would be approximately $62,928 (median) and $81,379 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Belgrave - Selby cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 dominates with 33.3% of residents (3,343 people). This is similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. Higher earners are also present in Belgrave - Selby, with 33.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Belgrave-Selby's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings. Melbourne metro had 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belgrave-Selby was 35.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 56.6% and rented at 7.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, matching Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Belgrave-Selby's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.4% of all households, including 41.7% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.6%, with lone person households at 16.2% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7 people.

Belgrave - Selby shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable compared to regional averages, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the SA3 area average of 23.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 23.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education. There are seven schools operating within Belgrave - Selby, educating approximately 2,191 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1083. The educational mix includes five primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 21.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis shows that there are 78 active transport stops operating within Belgrave-Selby. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 27 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 4691 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 365 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 670 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Belgrave - Selby's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Belgrave - Selby residents have a relatively positive health profile, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups at a fairly standard level. Private health cover is high, at approximately 56% of the total population (around 5,673 people), compared to 52.4% in Greater Melbourne.

Mental health issues impact 10.3% of residents, while asthma affects 8.2%. About 67.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.9% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,704 people), lower than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Belgrave-Selby, as per the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 82.3% born in Australia, 91.5% being citizens, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion (32.8%). Judaism's representation was notably higher at 0.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.3%), Australian (26.5%), and Irish (9.2%). Dutch (3.4% vs regional 3.2%), Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%), and Polish (0.9% vs 0.7%) were overrepresented.

Belgrave - Selby's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Belgrave - Selby has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 years and Australia's figure of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Belgrave - Selby at 13.1%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.9% to 5.4% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 7.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Belgrave - Selby's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 329 people (60%), increasing from 546 to 876. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.