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, as of February 2026, is approximately 11,858, a 5.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 11,289 people. This growth is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 11,762 in June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,777 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Bulleen is expected to grow by 803 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 6.0% 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 FY25351 homes were approved, with a further 24 approved so far in FY26. The average population increase per dwelling built over these years was 0.4 people.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties was $531,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $8.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Comparatively, Bulleen has similar development levels per capita to Greater Melbourne, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

The new building activity shows 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 80.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Bulleen has a population density characteristic of low-density areas, with around 255 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bulleen is forecasted to gain 707 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include North East Link, Manningham Road Interchange, Bulleen Park Sports Upgrade, and Yarra Link Green Bridge. The following details projects likely 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 professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 5.2% as of September 2025. This is 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Bulleen is lower at 62.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 34.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 3.7%, compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Bulleen increased by 2.6% while labour force also increased by 2.6%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bulleen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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 ending June 2023 indicates that Bulleen SA2 has a high national median income of $54,706 and an average income of $76,819. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,219 (median) and $83,157 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Bulleen SA2's household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,812 weekly), with personal income at the 36th percentile. Income brackets show that 27.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with Greater Melbourne's figure of 32.8%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. Bulleen SA2'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

Bulleen's housing structure, as per the latest Census, was 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bulleen stood at 49.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.5% and rented dwellings at 20.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Bulleen was $460, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bulleen's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 comprise 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 account for 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 matches 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.

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

Bulleen has 60 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes, offering a total of 2,262 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest transport stop for residents is 187 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 87%, with buses used by 8% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Bulleen, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 34.2% of residents work from home, which may be partially due to COVID-19 conditions. The 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

Bulleen's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 57% (~6,759 people) of Bulleen's total population has private health cover, which is notably high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (8.0%) and mental health issues (5.4%). A significant majority, 72.7%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments, comparable to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Bulleen has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.6% (2,920 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Bulleen are strong and align with national rankings for 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 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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bulleen, accounting for 59.8% of people, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups in Bulleen are Chinese (16.5%), Italian (16.3%), and Australian (12.5%).

These percentages are substantially higher than the regional averages of 6.5%, 5.2%, and 18.4% respectively. Notably, Greek ethnicity is overrepresented at 10.4% in Bulleen compared to 2.7% regionally, Macedonian at 1.2% versus 0.7%, and Croatian at 1.1% against 0.7%.

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 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 11.5% to 13.1%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 4.5% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 75-84 age group declined from 9.7% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bulleen's age structure. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 1,543 people from 1,230. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting Bulleen's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.