Bentleigh East - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Bentleigh East - South are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Bentleigh East - South's population was approximately 14,787 as of August 2025. Between the 2021 Census and June 2024, the population increased by around 730 people (5.2%), reaching an estimated resident population of 14,774. This increase is attributed to 168 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 3,221 persons per square kilometer as of August 2025, placing Bentleigh East - South in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the decade from 2012 to 2022, Bentleigh East - South's population grew at a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.4% of overall population gains during this period.

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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Bentleigh East - South is expected to experience above median population growth nationally, with an increase of approximately 2,832 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of around 19.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Bentleigh East - South among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Bentleigh East - South averaged approximately 113 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 565 homes. As of FY26, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated around 1.3 new residents per year. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value for new properties was $741,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $18.3 million, reflecting moderate levels of commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bentleigh East - South has shown slightly higher development levels over the past five years, with 24.0% more approvals per person. This has contributed to good buyer choice and supported existing property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

The new dwelling mix shows a shift towards compact living, with 76.0% townhouses or apartments and 24.0% detached dwellings. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and evolving lifestyle demands. Bentleigh East - South exhibits characteristics of a low density area, with approximately 180 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, the population is projected to increase by 2,815 residents. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Bentleigh East - South 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 25 projects that may impact the region. Notable initiatives include Westfield Southland Ongoing Upgrades, East Bentleigh Ambulance Station, Mackie Road Reserve Upgrade, and 1 Victor Road Retirement Village. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Bentleigh East - South has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Bentleigh East - South has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.2% as of June 2021.

By June 2025, the unemployment rate had decreased to 3.8%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was at 66.6%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

However, transport, postal & warehousing showed lower representation at 3.5% compared to the regional average of 5.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Bentleigh East - South's labour force increased by 1.4%, but employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bentleigh East - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bentleigh East - South had a median income of $60,365 and an average income of $80,990 among taxpayers. These figures are among the highest in Australia. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Bentleigh East - South as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,705 (median) and $90,838 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bentleigh East - South cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The distribution data shows that 28.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 32.8%. Bentleigh East - South displays significant affluence, with 35.0% earning over $3,000 per week. This supports premium retail and service offerings in the area. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 76th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Bentleigh East - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Bentleigh East - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.3% houses and 29.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bentleigh East - South was at 36.6%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (40.1%) or rented (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,512, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,396. The median weekly rent figure was $490, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Bentleigh East - South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bentleigh East - South has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.0% of all households, including 40.1% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 40.4%, significantly lower than the SA3 average of 50.6%. This discrepancy offers both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 26.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.4% and certificates for 15.0%.

Educational participation is high at 28.4%, including 9.9% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education. Six schools operate within Bentleigh East - South, educating approximately 2,589 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1089). The educational mix includes 3 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (17.5 places per 100 residents vs 14.2 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 82 active transport stops operating within Bentleigh East - South. These stops are serviced by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 3658 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 522 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Bentleigh East - South 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

Bentleigh East - South shows superior health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, older and at-risk cohorts have higher rates.

Private health cover is exceptionally high here, with approximately 60% of the total population (8,842 people) having it, compared to Greater Melbourne's 65.2%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 6.5% and 6.4% of residents respectively. 73.4% of residents report no medical ailments, close to Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 17.9% (2,648 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 16.8%.

Bentleigh East - South is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bentleigh East-South has a high cultural diversity, with 34.2% of its population born overseas and 30.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Bentleigh East-South, comprising 46.5%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 9.2% of Bentleigh East-South's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (19.0%), English (18.6%), and Other (12.3%). Notably, Russian (2.1%) and Polish (1.8%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.2% and 3.1%, respectively. Hungarian is also present at 0.7%.

Bentleigh East - South's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Bentleigh East - South's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented in Bentleigh East - South at 14.5%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.7% to 11.7% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 10.9% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Bentleigh East - South's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 596 people (28%) from 2,138 to 2,735. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is expected to grow modestly by 5% (43 people).