Brunswick - South

Population growth drivers in Brunswick - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Brunswick - South's population is around 15,234 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,251 people (17.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,983 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,190 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 552 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5,580 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Brunswick - South's 17.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 87.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

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 utilizing 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 9,226 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 60.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Brunswick - South has seen around 303 new homes approved each year, with 1,518 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 217 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average value of $441,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick - South records 102.0% more development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This level is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 2.0% detached dwellings and 98.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 28.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 64 people per approval, Brunswick - South reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Brunswick - South is expected to grow by 9,182 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Brunswick - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals, Albert Street Stockland Development, Brunswick Established - 23 Hodgson Street, and the Australian Liquorice Factory Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Brunswick - South features a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and 4.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,805 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (82.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 51.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employs just 4.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force increased by 4.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Brunswick - South. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Brunswick - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Brunswick - South SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $65,232 and an average of $81,087 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is extremely high nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $70,614 (median) and $87,777 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Brunswick - South, between the 74th and 88th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.2% of the community (5,057 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same category. Economic strength emerges through 32.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 73rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Brunswick - South features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Brunswick - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 27.8% houses and 72.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Brunswick - South was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 21.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.0%) or rented (51.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,018, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Brunswick - South's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Brunswick - South features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 50.0% of all households, comprising 15.2% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 5.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 50.0%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households comprising 14.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Brunswick - South significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 61.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 35.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways account for 16.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (8.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in tertiary education, 4.3% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 68 active transport stops operating within Brunswick - South, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 9,647 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 141 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 47%, with 14% cycling and 10% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 51.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,378 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 141 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Brunswick - South is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Brunswick - South faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (9,125 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 14.4% and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 67.4% declared themselves as 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 11.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,678 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Brunswick - South was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brunswick - South was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 31.4% of its population born overseas and 22.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Brunswick - South is Christianity, which makes up 24.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Brunswick - South are English, comprising 22.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 6.9% of Brunswick - South (vs 5.2% regionally), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Greek at 3.1% (vs 2.7%).

Brunswick - South hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

At 34 years, Brunswick - South's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick - South has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (30.6%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (4.6%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 18.3% to 18.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 5.5% to 4.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Brunswick - South. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 48%, adding 2,252 residents to reach 6,908.