Camberwell

Camberwell 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, Camberwell's population is around 22,317 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,085 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,232 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,120 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 201 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,061 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Camberwell's 5.1% growth since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 324 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 0.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Camberwell recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Camberwell has recorded around 105 residential properties granted approval annually, with 526 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 55 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $731,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $21.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Camberwell shows 13.0% lower construction activity (per person) while it places among the 61st percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 61.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 239 people per approval, Camberwell reflects a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Camberwell will gain 127 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Camberwell 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 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Lynden Park Residences, Eastern Freeway Upgrades - Bulleen to Springvale Road, Highfield Park Residential Estate, and Glyndon Residences, 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 Camberwell shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Camberwell features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.7%, and 1.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 12,370 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 50.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 9.7%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force increased by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise 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 Camberwell. 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 Camberwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Camberwell SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $64,551 with the average level standing at $112,670. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,876 (median) and $121,965 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Camberwell, between the 82nd and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 33.0% of the population (7,364 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 43.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 90th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Camberwell, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 61.1% houses and 38.9% 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 Camberwell was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 44.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (25.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $490, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Camberwell's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.2% of all households, comprising 37.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational achievement in Camberwell places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Camberwell significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 56.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 34.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational pathways account for 17.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (7.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in tertiary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 8.4% 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 124 active transport stops operating within Camberwell, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 8,835 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 10% by train and 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 50.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,262 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Camberwell's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Camberwell, 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 exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (16,983 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.7% and 6.6% of residents, respectively, while 72.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (5,050 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.

Camberwell 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

Camberwell was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 32.1% of its population born overseas and 26.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Camberwell is Christianity, which makes up 46.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Camberwell are English, comprising 23.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.4% of the population, and Chinese, comprising 11.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Sri Lankan is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Camberwell (vs 0.8% regionally), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Greek at 3.1% (vs 2.7%).

Camberwell's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 43-year median age in Camberwell is considerably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (8.2%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (10.5%) than in Greater Melbourne. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 14.1% to 15.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.7% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Camberwell's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 487 people (56%) from 865 to 1,353. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.