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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bulleen's population is around 11,858 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 569 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,289 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,762 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,777 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed 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 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. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 803 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.0% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 70 new homes approved each year, with 351 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 25 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $531,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $8.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Bulleen has similar development levels (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 80.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting 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.

Population forecasts indicate Bulleen will gain 707 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include North East Link, Manningham Road Interchange, Bulleen Park Sports Upgrade, and Yarra Link Green Bridge, 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.

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

Bulleen features a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,048 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (62.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 34.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area shows particularly strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 3.7% versus the regional average of 5.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while the labour force increased by 2.4%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bulleen. 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 Bulleen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Bulleen SA2 is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $54,706 while the average income stands at $76,819. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,219 (median) and $83,157 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,812 weekly), while personal income sits at the 36th percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.6% of the community (3,272 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. After housing, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Bulleen, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.6% houses and 20.4% 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 Bulleen was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 49.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (20.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $460, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Bulleen's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 75.3% of all households, comprising 35.2% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (38.0%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 50.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead 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+ – advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (13.2%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 60 active transport stops operating within Bulleen, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 15 individual routes, collectively providing 2,262 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 187 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 34.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 323 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bulleen's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Bulleen, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~6,759 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.0% and 5.4% of residents, respectively, while 72.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,920 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 42.3% of its population born overseas and 50.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Bulleen is Christianity, which makes up 59.8% of the population. This compares to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bulleen are Chinese, comprising 16.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%, Italian, comprising 16.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%, and Australian, comprising 12.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 10.4% of Bulleen (vs 2.7% regionally), Macedonian at 1.2% (vs 0.7%) and Croatian at 1.1% (vs 0.7%).

Bulleen hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The 45-year median age in Bulleen is significantly above Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Bulleen has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (14.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (10.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.1% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 4.5% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort has declined from 9.7% to 8.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Bulleen's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 25% (312 people), reaching 1,543 from 1,230. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.