Bulleen

Bulleen is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Bulleen's population is around 11,819 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 530 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,289 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,762 in June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,772 persons per square kilometer. Bulleen's growth rate of 4.7% since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.0%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and the latest annual ERP population numbers, Bulleen is expected to grow by 803 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 6.3% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bulleen recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Bulleen has seen approximately 70 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 351 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY26 so far. On average, only 0.4 people per year have moved to Bulleen for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties is $835,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, Bulleen has registered $8.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bulleen has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

The new building activity shows a split of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 80.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 255 people per dwelling approval, Bulleen shows characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bulleen is projected to gain 746 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bulleen has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include North East Link, Manningham Road Interchange, Bulleen Park Sports Upgrade, and Yarra Link Green Bridge. The following details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Bulleen recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Bulleen has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 5.7%, which is 1.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Bulleen was 58.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while transport, postal & warehousing had lower representation at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force increased by 3.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and an unemployment increase of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Nov-25 showed Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bulleen's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Bulleen SA2 was $51,305 and average income was $74,606. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $57,544 (median) and $83,678 (average). According to Census 2021 data, household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,812 weekly) and personal income is at the 36th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 27.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (3,262 individuals), similar to Greater Melbourne's figure of 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. Bulleen SA2 is ranked in the 8th decile for SEIFA income.

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

Bulleen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.1% houses and 32.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bulleen was at 49.9%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (20.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,400, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent was recorded at $460, compared to Melbourne metro's $462. Nationally, Bulleen's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bulleen has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 75.3% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 38.0%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 50.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational pathways account for 23.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 13.2%. Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.6% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 6.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.6% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bulleen has 60 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 4,559 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 187 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 651 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Bulleen is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Bulleen shows above-average health outcomes, with both younger and older age groups having low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 56% (~6,677 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and mental health issues (5.4%). About 72.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. Bulleen has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2% (2,863 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 22.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Bulleen has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.3% of its population born overseas and 50.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Bulleen is Christianity, accounting for 59.8% of the population, compared to 48.5% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups in Bulleen are Chinese (16.5%), Italian (16.3%), and Australian (12.5%).

Notably, Greek ancestry is overrepresented at 10.4%, Macedonian at 1.2%, and Croatian at 1.1%, compared to regional averages of 7.6%, 0.7%, and 0.6% respectively.

Bulleen hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Bulleen is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bulleen has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.5% to 12.9%, while the population aged 85 and above grew from 4.5% to 5.6%. However, the population aged 75-84 decreased from 9.7% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bulleen's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 31%, reaching 1,543 people from the current figure of 1,175. Notably, the combined population aged 65 and above will account for 66% of total population growth, reflecting Bulleen's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.