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, as of Feb 2026, is approximately 22,317. This figure represents an increase of 1,085 people, a 5.1% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 21,232. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 22,120 in June 2024 and an additional 201 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 3,061 persons per square kilometer, placing Camberwell in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate of 5.1% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 7.4%, indicating strong population growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of Camberwell's population growth in recent periods.

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 Victoria State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them using a weighted aggregation method 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, Camberwell is expected to grow by 324 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall growth rate of 0.6% over the 17-year period, as per the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 52 approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in 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 alone, there have been $21.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Camberwell shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 61st percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 61.0% houses.

At around 239 people per approval, Camberwell reflects a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate Camberwell will gain 127 residents by 2041, and 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Lynden Park Residences, Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Bulleen to Springvale Road, Highfield Park Residential Estate, and Glyndon Residences. The following list details those 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 an educated workforce with professional services well represented, an unemployment rate of 2.5% as of September 2025, and estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year. The unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, with workforce participation at 66.9%. Census responses indicate 50.1% of residents work from home.

Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Professional & technical services show strong specialization, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 5.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, Camberwell's employment increased by 2.3% and labour force by 2.5%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points.

Greater Melbourne recorded higher growth rates. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth patterns across sectors. 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, though this is a simplified 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Camberwell SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $64,551 with an average level of $112,670. This places it in 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 financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,876 (median) and $121,965 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Camberwell, between the 82nd and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 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. 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.1% houses and 38.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is 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 in Camberwell 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 account for the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns 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 or above, 56.4% possess university qualifications, exceeding Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. 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 in Camberwell, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education, including tertiary (9.2%), secondary (9.1%), and primary (8.4%) levels.

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 light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 14 routes, collectively providing 8,835 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain 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, a high 50.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,262 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per stop. The map provided shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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 found to be exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (16,983 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area 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. The area has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (5,050 people), 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's population, born overseas, stands at 32.1%. Speaking a language other than English at home, 26.4% of residents do so. Christianity is the predominant religion in Camberwell, with 46.2% adherents.

Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, comprising 0.7% versus 1.0%. The top three ancestry groups are English (23.4%), Australian (18.4%), and Chinese (11.6%), the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Notable divergences include Sri Lankan (0.8%, compared to regional 0.8%), French (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), and Greek (3.1% vs regional 2.7%).

Camberwell's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Camberwell is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 years make up 8.2% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years constitute only 10.5%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of people aged 15-24 has increased from 14.1% to 15.9%, while the 75-84 age group has risen from 6.7% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.0% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the number of people aged 85 and above will rise significantly, from 865 to 1,353, an increase of 487 people (56%). Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above are expected to account for 91% of total population growth. However, the 25-34 and 35-44 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.