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

Camberwell's population is approximately 22,104 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 872 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 21,232. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 22,052 in June 2025 and an additional 215 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 3,032 persons per square kilometer, placing Camberwell in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Since Census, Camberwell's growth rate is 4.1%, within 2.5 percentage points of its SA3 area's 6.6%. Overseas migration primarily drove this population increase.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Camberwell is expected to grow by 223 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 0.8% over the 16-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 FY21 to FY25, a total of 526 homes were approved, with an additional 65 approved so far in FY26. The area's population decline has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a 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. This year has seen $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 at the 61st percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% attached dwellings, demonstrating a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 61.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles driving demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 239 people per approval, Camberwell reflects a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate that Camberwell will gain approximately 171 residents by 2041, based on 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Lynden Park Residences, Highfield Park Residential Estate, Glyndon Residences, and Camberwell House. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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 has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.7% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment grew by an estimated 1.7% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 12,370 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 67.5%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A high proportion, 50.1%, worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area shows significant specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute outside Camberwell for work. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force grew by 2.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and a smaller increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Camberwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Camberwell SA2 was $64,551 and average income was $112,670 based on latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. These figures rank among the top percentile nationally. In Greater Melbourne, median income was $57,688 and average was $75,164. By March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $70,761 and average is $123,509 based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Camberwell rank between the 82nd and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 33.0% of residents earn over $4,000 weekly, contrasting with metropolitan Melbourne where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence in Camberwell with 43.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income and residents rank high in disposable income at the 90th percentile. 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

Camberwell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.1% houses and 38.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Camberwell was at 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 25.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $490, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Camberwell's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Camberwell has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with 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

Camberwell's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 56.4% have 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%, 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.

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

Camberwell has 124 active public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and buses. These are served by 14 routes, collectively providing 8,835 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 208 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car is the dominant mode of transport at 78%, followed by train at 10% and walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 50.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes is 1,262 trips per day on average, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per stop. The map accompanying this data shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (16,821 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.7 and 6.6% of residents respectively. 72.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Camberwell has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (4,787 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, broadly in line with national rankings for 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 high cultural diversity, with 32.1% born overseas and 26.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Camberwell as of 2021, comprising 46.2%. Judaism's representation stood out at 0.7%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.4%), Australian (18.4%), and Chinese (11.6%), the latter being significantly higher than Melbourne's average of 6.5%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation included Sri Lankan at 0.8% (compared to the regional 0.8%) and French at 0.8% (higher than the regional 0.5%). Greek ancestry was also present at 3.1%, slightly higher than Melbourne's average of 2.7%.

Camberwell's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 75-84 years make up 7.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years constitute only 11.4%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of people aged 15-24 has increased from 14.1% to 15.6%, and the 75-84 age group has risen from 6.7% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.0% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Camberwell's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to rise by 453 individuals (57%), from 800 to 1,254. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 89% of total population growth, reflecting Camberwell's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.