Bundoora - North

Population growth drivers in Bundoora - North are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bundoora - North's population is around 8,007 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 657 people (8.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,350 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,005 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,696 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bundoora - North's 8.9% growth since the census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 90.6% 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the area expected to grow by 5,367 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 67.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bundoora - North according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Bundoora - North has averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals per year, with 29 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 4.5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $460,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $22.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Bundoora - North has significantly less development activity. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 67.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 1688 people per dwelling approval, Bundoora - North reflects a highly mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Bundoora - North will gain 5,365 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bundoora - North 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 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Uni Hill Factory Outlets Stage 3A, Mill Park Place Framework, M80 Ring Road Completion, and Childs Road Upgrade, 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.

Employment performance in Bundoora - North exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bundoora - North possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,843 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 28.0% 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 construction. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 7.9% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2% and the labour force increased by 1.4%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 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 - North. 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 - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Bundoora - North SA2's income level is in line with national averages according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Bundoora - North SA2's median income among taxpayers is $55,172 and the average income stands at $67,190, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,724 (median) and $72,733 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 55th percentile ($1,833 weekly), while personal income sits at the 35th percentile. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 32.4% of locals (2,594 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 55th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Bundoora - North displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Bundoora - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 66.8% houses and 33.2% 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 - North was in line with that of Melbourne metro, at 31.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.5%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Bundoora - North's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.0% of all households, comprising 37.0% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 23.8% and group households comprising 6.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Bundoora - North aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (34.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA3 area average of 25.9% and that of Australia (30.4%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (15.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in tertiary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 36 active transport stops operating within Bundoora - North, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 7,978 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 254 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 28.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,139 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 221 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bundoora - North's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Bundoora - North, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~4,211 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 6.6 and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 74.9% 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 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,281 people), though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Bundoora - North scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 39.3% of its population born overseas and 46.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Bundoora - North is Christianity, which makes up 56.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.8% 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 - North are Other, comprising 13.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 13.8% of the population, and English, comprising 13.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 6.8% of Bundoora - North (vs 0.7% regionally), Italian at 11.8% (vs 5.2%), and Greek at 5.9% (vs 2.7%).

Bundoora - North's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Bundoora - North's median age is nearly matching the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Bundoora - North has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (20.2%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (11.1%). This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 17.3% to 20.2% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 15.2% to 16.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 8.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.3% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Bundoora - North's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 67%, adding 906 residents to reach 2,262.