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

Bundoora - East's population was approximately 10,256 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 425 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,831. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 10,240, with an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a density ratio of 2,519 persons per square kilometer, placing Bundoora - East in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 92.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation of population growth for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with Bundoora - East expected to expand by 3,944 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 38.3% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 17 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY2021 to FY2025, 87 homes were approved, with a further 2 approved so far in FY2026. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, offering buyers good choice, while new homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $323,000.

This financial year, $10.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bundoora - East has significantly less development activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, this activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 93.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The location currently has approximately 844 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bundoora - East is expected to grow by 3,928 residents through to 2041. 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones are M80 Ring Road Completion, Research and Development Centre, Uni Hill Factory Outlets Stage 3A, Northpark Private Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The employment environment in Bundoora - East shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Bundoora - East has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. In the past year, ending September 2025, employment grew by an estimated 1.1%.

There are 5,506 residents employed, with a participation rate of 65.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant 25.4% work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 7.8%, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Limited local opportunities are indicated by the resident-to-working population ratio. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.1% while labour force grew by 0.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a slight rise in unemployment to 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundoora - East's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% in five years and 13.8% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Bundoora - East SA2 is $51,903 and the average is $63,209 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest the median will be approximately $56,185 and the average will be around $68,424. In 2021 Census figures, household income ranked at the 47th percentile ($1,705 weekly) and personal income at the 29th percentile. The majority of residents (32.8%, or 3,363 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains for other costs. 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

Bundoora - East's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundoora - East was at 43.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.2% and rented ones at 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,013, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $385, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bundoora - East's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.6% of all households, including 35.9% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 30.4%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 41.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (18.2%). Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 6.3% in tertiary education.

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

Bundoora - East has 43 active public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These are served by 5 routes, collectively facilitating 3,386 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 277 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward using cars (85%), followed by train at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. In 2021 Census data (possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions), 25.4% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages 483 trips daily 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 shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions among the general population is low but exceeds the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,179 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and mental health issues (7.3%), with 69.5% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65s exhibit better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,088 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%, but lower nationally relative to 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 has high cultural diversity with 32.0% born overseas and 35.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 54.0%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 4.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

Top ancestry groups are English (19.3%), Australian (17.6%), and Other (10.0%). Notably, Macedonian (2.5%) and Italian (9.5%) are overrepresented, while Greek is slightly higher at 4.4% compared to regional averages.

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

The median age in Bundoora - East is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bundoora - East has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.7%) but fewer people aged 35-44 (12.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 13.1% to 15.0%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 7.5% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 13.5% to 12.2%, and the 65-74 age group dropped from 9.7% to 8.5%. By 2041, Bundoora - East is projected to experience significant shifts in its age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 50%, reaching 1,877 people from 1,253.