Bundoora - East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bundoora - East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bundoora - East's population is around 10,256 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 425 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,831 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,240 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,519 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 92.1% 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 3,944 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 38.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Bundoora - East is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Bundoora - East has averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals per year, with 87 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $323,000. Additionally, $10.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Bundoora - East has significantly less development activity (74.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 93.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 844 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Bundoora - East is expected to grow by 3,928 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Bundoora - East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the M80 Ring Road Completion, Research and Development Centre, Uni Hill Factory Outlets Stage 3A, and Northpark Private Hospital 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.

The labour market in Bundoora - East demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Bundoora - East possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,537 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 25.4% 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, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 7.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. 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 Bundoora - East. 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 Bundoora - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The Bundoora - East SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $51,903 and an average of $63,209 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, 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 $56,185 (median) and $68,424 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 47th percentile ($1,705 weekly), while personal income sits at the 29th percentile. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.8% of residents (3,363 people), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Bundoora - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.0% houses and 6.9% 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 Bundoora - East was higher than that of Melbourne metro, at 43.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.2%) or rented (23.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,013, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $385, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Bundoora - East's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Bundoora - East features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 74.6% of all households, comprising 35.9% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (30.4%) substantially below the SA3 area average of 41.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (18.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 6.3% 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 43 active transport stops operating within Bundoora - East, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 3,386 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 277 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 25.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 483 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 78 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Bundoora - East is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Bundoora - East demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,179 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 69.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,088 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Bundoora - East 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

Bundoora - East scores highly on cultural diversity, with 32.0% of its population born overseas and 35.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Bundoora - East is Christianity, which makes up 54.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.1% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bundoora - East are English, comprising 19.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 17.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 2.5% of Bundoora - East (vs 0.7% regionally), Italian at 9.5% (vs 5.2%) and Greek at 4.4% (vs 2.7%).

Bundoora - East's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 38-year median age in Bundoora - East is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Bundoora - East has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (8.7%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (12.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.1% to 15.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.5% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.2% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 9.7% to 8.5%. By 2041, Bundoora - East is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 50% (623 people), reaching 1,877 from 1,253.