Area profile · Greater Melbourne
Bentleigh East - South has an estimated 15,032 residents, up 6.9% since the 2021 Census, with 7 projects tracked in Bentleigh East - South.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Bentleigh East - South Statistical Area (Lv2) is a peaceful, family-oriented residential community positioned 15 kilometres south-southeast from Melbourne CBD in VIC, Australia. Renowned for its blend of architectural styles ranging from charming period homes to sleek contemporary dwellings, the area features a welcoming village ambiance complemented by strong school performance, scenic public parks, and a vibrant streetscape of diverse shopping and emerging dining destinations. The demographic profile is defined by an established middle-aged population enjoying high educational attainment, above-average median household income, and notable employment clustering in the Finance and Insurance sectors. Residential housing stock includes a strong apartment presence that supports steady urban activity alongside regular neighbourhood community events and markets.
As of Aug 2026, the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) for the Bentleigh East - South Statistical Area (Lv2) is estimated at approximately 15,032.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 11,814 in 2001 and 14,949 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 15,032 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 15.5%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 28.7%.
Bentleigh East - South ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for transport & access and the 82nd for education.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Bentleigh East - South is $673 a week, up 3.8% over 12 months to Sep 2025 and 15% above Greater Melbourne.
15% above Greater Melbourne on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $656 in 2016, $977 in 2025; Units (dashed orange line): $434 in 2016, $648 in 2025. The latest is to Sep 2025.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $673 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +3.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, houses | $977 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +5.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, units | $648 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +3.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Glen Eira | $612 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Glen Eira, over 12 months | +3.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Melbourne - Inner South | $626 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Melbourne - Inner South, over 12 months | +5.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Greater Melbourne | $587 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Melbourne, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, VIC | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, VIC, over 12 months | +4.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 37 tracked applications: 3 approved, 3 under assessment, 31 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 7 projects in Bentleigh East - South (2 under construction) and 165 more in the surrounding area.
Purpose-built retirement village under construction at 1 Victor Road, Bentleigh East.
Glen Eira City Council is delivering the Mackie Road Reserve Masterplan as a staged community recreation upgrade.
A new multi-million-dollar ambulance station on the Moorabbin Hospital campus in Bentleigh East.
State government-funded upgrade and modernisation of McKinnon Primary School.
Construction is actively underway on the premium Summerset Oakleigh South retirement village and aged care facility, featuring a continuum…
Boutique residential development comprising 11 multi-level four-bedroom townhouses near Centre Road in Bentleigh East.
A major social and affordable housing redevelopment delivered by Homes Victoria via the Ground Lease Model, in which the land is leased to…
A 1.25 billion dollar master-planned urban renewal precinct spanning 24 hectares.
Installation of a new staggered signalised crossing, raised crossings, widened footpaths, enhanced bike lanes, and shortened right turn…
Glen Eira City Council is delivering a new neighbourhood park on the former 15-19 Porter Road properties in Bentleigh.
Pellicano Group is developing a major build-to-rent residential community at 1041 Centre Road in Oakleigh South.
Canterbury Gardens Estate is a masterplanned residential community in Oakleigh South.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 80 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2024 1, 2025 10, 2026 23, 2027 24, 2028 11, 2029 1, 2030 6, 2031 0, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 4. 18 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 37 substantial development applications lodged in and around Bentleigh East - South over the past 5 years, 12 in the last 12 months; 3 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 1, 2022 6, 2023 5, 2024 10, 2025 6, 2026 (to Oct) 9.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 37 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 12 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 7.6 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 78th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 109 | ABS building approvals | 81st percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 3 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 3 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Bentleigh East - South SA2 include: Levande Bentleigh East Retirement Village (Construction); Mackie Road Reserve Upgrade (Planning); East Bentleigh Ambulance Station (Construction); Bentleigh East Activity Centre Built Form Framework (Amendment C247glen) (Approved); and Easton Place Townhouses (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Bentleigh East - South SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Health & Medical, among others.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, recent residential development output has been above average within Bentleigh East - South when compared nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 area has seen 149 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Bentleigh East - South SA2's current population of 15,032 has been supported by 109 approvals on average over recent years.
The Bentleigh East - South SA2 has seen 7.6 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 8.7 approvals in Greater Melbourne. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 200 people in the Bentleigh East - South SA2, compared to one for every 121 in Greater Melbourne.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Bentleigh East - South SA2's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 109, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the population in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 has grown by approximately 822 people, while 545 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.5 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Bentleigh East - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,032 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +6.9% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Population density | 3,276 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 87th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 14,057 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 975 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 4.59 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Bentleigh East - South SA2 was estimated to be approximately 15,032 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 14,949 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The bentleigh east - south sa2 has added approximately 975 people and shown a 6.94% increase from the 14,057 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is estimated at 3,275 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.0% per annum.
Population growth in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (73.6%), Natural increase (26.4%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 73.6% of overall population gains.
Bentleigh East - South's population is slightly older than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 40 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 17.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 18.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 22.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 52.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 40 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 11.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 10.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 15.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 14.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 5.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 3.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 at 40 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 40 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 40 years as at August 2026, Bentleigh East - South is 3 years older than the Greater Melbourne 2021 Census average (37 years) and 2 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 45 - 54 group, making up 14.5% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 10.6% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 show significant variance compared to Greater Melbourne. The most over-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (3.1% vs 2.1%). The most under-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (10.6% vs 16.4%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 18.1% of the population in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 17.6% of the population in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 as at August 2026.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 80% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $66,623 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 76th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $86,038 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,173 | 2021 Census, weekly | 76th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $934 | 2021 Census, weekly | 71st percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 35.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,627 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 18.6% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is approximately $71,020. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $66,623.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is approximately $91,717. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $86,038.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is approximately $71,020 compared to $63,783 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $66,623 and $59,834 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is approximately $91,717 compared to $83,612 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $86,038 and $78,435 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Bentleigh East - South SA2's households (~28.7% / 1,484 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 28.7% of households. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.8% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is $2,173/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is $2,627/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is $934/wk.
The Bentleigh East - South SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Bentleigh East - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $66,623 and the average income stands at $86,038, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $59,834 and $78,435 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.6% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $71,020 (median) and $91,717 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is $7,914 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The bentleigh east - south sa2's disposable income is $7,914 compared to $6,948 for Greater Melbourne, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The employment landscape in Bentleigh East - South shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 69.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 8,189 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 11,977 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 8,574 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Bentleigh East - South SA2 has approximately 8,189 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 stands at 4.5%, which is broadly in line with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.9%. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (13.7% of employment), professional & technical (11.8%), and retail trade (10.3%). Other significant employers include education & training and construction.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Bentleigh East - South SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is 69.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Melbourne average of 70.1%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Melbourne.
The bentleigh east - south sa2 shows notable specialisation in professional & technical, which employs 11.8% of the local workforce compared to 10.1% across Greater Melbourne. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The bentleigh east - south sa2's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.6% decline, ranking 28th out of 37 regions nationally.
Bentleigh East - South shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 26.5% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 10.2% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 40.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 15.0% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 3.7% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 11.4% | 2021 Census | 66th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 33.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 28.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 5.1% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 9.9% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 7.6% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
40.4% of people aged 15 and over in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne.
33.1% of people aged 15 and over in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.2% in Greater Melbourne.
The bentleigh east - south sa2 ranks in the 82th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (26.5%), Certificate (15.0%), Advanced Diploma (11.4%).
28.4% of the population in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 9.9% in primary school, 7.6% in secondary school, 5.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is 1089, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 6 schools within the Bentleigh East - South SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 2,589 students.
The bentleigh east - south sa2 includes 3 primary schools, 2 secondary schools, 1 combined school.
Bentleigh East - South features high concentrations of couples with children but relatively few couples without children, with an average household size in line with Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.6 people | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 21.8% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 40.1% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 23.9% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 10.9% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.2% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 5,169 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 5,528 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 76.0% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.5 per family | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Bentleigh East - South SA2 had 5,169 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 6.9% to an estimated 5,528 households today.
The average household size in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is 2.6 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Melbourne and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 76.0% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (21.8%), group households (2.2%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 3,928 family households, couples with children account for 40.1% of all households, couples without children at home 23.9%, and single parent families 10.9%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Melbourne, the Bentleigh East - South SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Family households are notably over-represented at 76.0% (versus 70.9% in Greater Melbourne). This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 have an average of 1.5 children, slightly above the Greater Melbourne average of 1.4. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 52.3% of the adult population are currently married, while 32.0% have never married. This compares to 47.0% married and 38.0% never married across Greater Melbourne.
Single-person households represent 21.8% of all households in the Bentleigh East - South SA2, similar to the average for Greater Melbourne of 24.8%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.2% of households, below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.3%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
Bentleigh East - South was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 34.2% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 30.7% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 69.3% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 87.9% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 65.8% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.3% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
Bentleigh East - South scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 34.2% of its population born overseas and 30.7% speaking a language other than English at home.
The main religion in Bentleigh East - South was found to be Christianity, which makes up 46.5% of people in Bentleigh East - South. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 9.2% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bentleigh East - South are Australian, comprising 19.0% of the population, English, comprising 18.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 2.1% of Bentleigh East - South (vs 0.4% across Greater Melbourne), Polish at 1.8% (vs 0.8%) and Greek at 6.5% (vs 2.7%).
34.2% of the Bentleigh East - South SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 37.3% across Greater Melbourne.
30.7% of the population in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 35.9% in Greater Melbourne.
0.3% of the Bentleigh East - South SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 0.5% in Greater Melbourne.
87.9% of the Bentleigh East - South SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 81.1% in Greater Melbourne.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Bentleigh East - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 23.3% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 36.6% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 70.3% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,512 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 89th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 40.1% | 2021 Census | 66th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 13.3% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $490 | 2021 Census, weekly | 87th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 22.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 66th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 26.7% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 72nd percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
In the Bentleigh East - South SA2, 36.6% of homes are owned outright, 40.1% are owned with a mortgage, and 23.3% are rented.
According to the latest data, 70.3% of dwellings in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 are houses.
In the Bentleigh East - South SA2, 16.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 13.3% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 stands at 36.6%, compared to 30.7% in Greater Melbourne.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is $2,512, compared to $2,000 in Greater Melbourne.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is $1,502, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Bentleigh East - South SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 26.7% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 22.5% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 26.7% of income on repayments (vs 24.3% in Greater Melbourne), while renters spend 22.5% of income on rent (vs 20.5% in Greater Melbourne).
The dwelling mix in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 consists of 70.3% detached houses, 13.3% semi-detached dwellings, 16.2% apartments, and 0.2% other dwelling types.
Housing in Bentleigh East - South consumes approximately 16.0% of median household income ($9,409 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Bentleigh East - South show attached dwellings contributing 57% of approvals compared to 30% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 43% of applications versus 70% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. This area is seeing substantial increases in dwelling density compared to most Australian locations.
Bentleigh East - South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 59.7% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 78th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 73.4% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 5.4% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 81.1% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.8% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
Around 59.7% of people in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.5% in Greater Melbourne.
In the Bentleigh East - South SA2, 5.4% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.5% of people in Greater Melbourne require similar assistance.
6.3% of people in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.3% of the population across Greater Melbourne is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 4.3% of the Bentleigh East - South SA2 population, while in Greater Melbourne, 4.1% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.6% of people in the Bentleigh East - South SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Melbourne,3.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Bentleigh East - South SA2, 59.7% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Melbourne sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.5%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 89 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 89th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 82 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 64th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 6,384 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 85th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 183 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 13 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.4 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 40.7% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 82 public transport stops within the Bentleigh East - South SA2.
The Bentleigh East - South SA2 has 6,384 weekly trips across 13 routes, averaging 912 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 148 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 291 m away and the nearest school 480 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 82 stops nearby, 6,384 weekly trips, access rating 89 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 75 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 75th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 291 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 480 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 486 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 523 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest GP | 574 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 587 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 945 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 2.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 2.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 3.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 6 long day care centres with 414 places in Bentleigh East - South, about 2.0 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, recent residential development output has been above average within Bentleigh East - South when compared nationally.
Bentleigh East - South ranks in the 55th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Bentleigh East - South is $673 a week, +3.8% over 12 months to Sep 2025.
Population growth drivers in Bentleigh East - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Bentleigh East - South's population is slightly older than the national pattern.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 80% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
The employment landscape in Bentleigh East - South shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators.
Bentleigh East - South shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
Bentleigh East - South features high concentrations of couples with children but relatively few couples without children, with an average household size in line with Greater Melbourne.
Bentleigh East - South was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
Bentleigh East - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Bentleigh East - South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Bentleigh East - South has an estimated 15,032 residents, up 6.9% since the 2021 Census, with 7 projects tracked in Bentleigh East - South.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Bentleigh East - South.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2025, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (208021427). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Bentleigh East - South from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Bentleigh East - South with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.