Camberwell
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Camberwell's population was approximately 22,278 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,046 people from the 2021 Census total of 21,232, indicating a growth rate of 4.9%. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 22,120 in June 2024 and an additional 185 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,056 persons per square kilometer, placing Camberwell in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 4.9% since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.9%, suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind Camberwell's population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to estimate population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated among statistical areas analyzed by AreaSearch. Camberwell is expected to grow by 324 persons by 2041, representing an increase of 0.8% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 105 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 526 homes were approved, with an additional 31 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $731,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers. In FY-26, there have been $21.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Camberwell shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% attached dwellings, a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 61.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

At around 239 people per approval, Camberwell reflects a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Camberwell will gain 166 residents by 2041. Given 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Lynden Park Residences, Kirra Gardens, Glyndon Residences, and Eastern Freeway Upgrades - Bulleen to Springvale Road. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Camberwell demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Camberwell has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. As of June 2025, 12,514 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, similar to Greater Melbourne's workforce participation rate of 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, keeping the unemployment rate stable. Greater Melbourne recorded higher employment growth of 3.5% during this period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Camberwell's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

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 ATO data released for financial year 2022, Camberwell had a median income among taxpayers of $62,587 and an average income of $116,262. These figures place Camberwell in the top percentile nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Camberwell would be approximately $70,198 (median) and $130,399 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Camberwell rank between the 83rd and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.0% of Camberwell's population (7,351 individuals) have incomes over $4,000 per week, contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most common at 32.8%. Higher earners are prevalent in Camberwell, with 43.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing expenses account for 13.5% of income, and residents rank highly for disposable income, placing the area in the 90th percentile nationally. The SEIFA income ranking places Camberwell in the 10th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Camberwell, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.1% houses and 38.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Camberwell stood at 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented dwellings at 25.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $490, compared to Melbourne metro's $3,000 and $451 respectively. Nationally, Camberwell's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $3,000 against the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Camberwell were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Camberwell has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.2% of all households, including 37.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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 is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 56.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational pathways account for 17.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 7.4%.

Educational participation is 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. Camberwell's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,933 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1141. Education provision is balanced with three primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (13.2) are below the regional average (19.2), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Camberwell has 124 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. There are 10 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 5,585 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents typically located 205 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 797 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

Camberwell's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Camberwell. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 79% of the total population (17,577 people), exceeding the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.7% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 72.6%, report being free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 73.8%. Camberwell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.9% (4,872 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Health outcomes among seniors align closely with those of 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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 32.1% born overseas and 26.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Camberwell, accounting for 46.2% of its population. Judaism was notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.7% versus 0.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.4%), Australian (18.4%), and Chinese (11.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Sri Lankan at 0.8% (versus 0.7% regionally), French at 0.8% (versus 0.6%), and Greek at 3.1% (versus 3.4%).

Camberwell hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Camberwell is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 make up a significant portion at 15.8%, while the 25-34 group comprises only 10.8%. Since 2021, the 15-24 age group has increased from 14.1% to 15.8%, and the 75-84 cohort has risen from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.0% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75-84 age cohort will increase by 513 people (30%), growing from 1,733 to 2,247. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 96% of total population growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 25-34 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.