Bentleigh - McKinnon

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bentleigh-McKinnon's population is around 27,004 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,108 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,896 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 26,825 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 316 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,341 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bentleigh-McKinnon's 8.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.9% 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 6,406 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 23.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bentleigh - McKinnon among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Bentleigh-McKinnon has seen approximately 146 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25734 homes were approved, with a further 51 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, each dwelling built over these five years has attracted 2.2 new residents yearly, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are constructed at an average cost of $765,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $14.3 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bentleigh-McKinnon shows 10.0% less building activity per person but ranks at the 59th percentile nationally among assessed areas. New development consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing pattern of 58.0% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 252 people per dwelling approval, Bentleigh-McKinnon indicates a growing market.

By 2041, it is projected to gain 6,227 residents, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 50 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include East Village Strategic Site - Assemble Build-to-Rent Precinct, Laurel, Bentleigh Club Redevelopment in Bentleigh, Ormond Station Development at Ormond Place, and The Aston. Below is a list of those likely to be most 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.

While Bentleigh - McKinnon retains a healthy unemployment rate of 4.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Bentleigh-McKinnon has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.0% in June 2023.

Over the past year, employment stability was relatively high. As of June 2025, 15,096 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation is standard at 66.8%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.4 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors.

Construction shows lower representation at 7.2% versus the regional average of 9.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the year to June 2025, labour force increased by 1.4%, while employment declined by 0.1%, raising unemployment by 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. State-level data to Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, outpacing the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 estimate a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bentleigh-McKinnon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 - McKinnon SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,416 and an average of $85,824. Nationally, these figures are extremely high. Greater Melbourne's median was $54,892 with an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $68,884 (median) and $96,260 (average). Census data reveals Bentleigh - McKinnon's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 75th and 80th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 27.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 37.5% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 79th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Bentleigh - McKinnon displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Bentleigh-McKinnon, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.0% houses and 42.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bentleigh-McKinnon stood at 34.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.4% and rented dwellings at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,396. The median weekly rent was $491, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Bentleigh-McKinnon's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $491.

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

Family households account for 72.8% of all households, including 38.1% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.2%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Bentleigh - McKinnon demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Bentleigh - McKinnon residents aged 15+ have higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 48.1% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 22.5%, with advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (11.4%) being the main ones.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 7.2% in tertiary education.

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

Bentleigh - McKinnon has 80 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 14 routes, facilitating 4,414 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 192 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 630 trips per day, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bentleigh - McKinnon's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Bentleigh-McKinnon, with both younger and older age groups having low prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 63% of the total population (17,093 people) have private health cover, which is higher than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 6.7% of residents and asthma impacting 6.6%. A total of 74.4% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. Bentleigh-McKinnon has 16.7% of its population aged 65 and over (4,517 people), with health outcomes among seniors broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Bentleigh - McKinnon 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-McKinnon has high cultural diversity, with 32.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 40.5%. Judaism is underrepresented at 7.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 17.5%.

Top ancestry groups are English (20.2%), Australian (17.8%), and Other (12.4%). Polish (1.9% vs regional 3.1%), Russian (1.9% vs 2.2%) and Greek (4.2% vs 4.6%) have notable divergences in representation.

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

Bentleigh-McKinnon's median age is 40, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 37 and Australia's 38 years. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented locally at 14.7%, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 10.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.7% to 14.0%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 15.7% to 14.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Bentleigh-McKinnon's age profile. The 45-54 age group is expected to expand by 30%, adding 1,190 people, growing from 3,961 to 5,152. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 9% (108 people).