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

As of August 2025, Camberwell's population is estimated to be around 22,307. This figure represents an increase of 1,075 people from the 2021 Census count of 21,232, marking a growth rate of approximately 5.1%. This change can be attributed to the ABS's estimated resident population of 22,120 as of June 2024 and an additional 196 validated new addresses since the Census date in 2021. With this population density, Camberwell has a ratio of 3,059 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since the 2021 Census, Camberwell's population growth rate of approximately 5.1% is within 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of about 6.8%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for Camberwell.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041 based on these aggregations. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated among statistical areas analyzed by AreaSearch. Based on the latest population numbers, Camberwell is expected to grow by approximately 324 persons by the year 2041, resulting in a total growth rate of about 0.6% 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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 526 homes approved over the past five years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 10 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas. The average value of new dwellings developed is $1,322,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In terms of commercial development, $21.2 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Camberwell has 13.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 61.0% houses. This indicates decreasing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. The area has approximately 239 people per dwelling approval, indicating low density market conditions.

By 2041, Camberwell is expected to grow by 137 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing good buying conditions and potentially supporting growth beyond current 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 28 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Lynden Park Residences, Kirra Gardens, Glyndon Residences, and Eastern Freeway Upgrades from 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.

Camberwell ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Camberwell has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

In the past year, employment growth was estimated at 2.9%. As of June 2025, 12,514 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% and workforce participation similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Professional & technical employment is notably high at 1.6 times the regional average, while construction shows lower representation at 5.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force grew by 2.9%, keeping unemployment flat. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5% and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment growth at 1.08% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.9% 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 the financial year ending June 2022, Camberwell had a median income among taxpayers of $62,587 and an average income of $116,262. Nationally, these figures place Camberwell in the top percentile. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $54,892 and the average was $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% from June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates for Camberwell would be approximately $68,915 (median) and $128,016 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Camberwell rank between the 83rd and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.0% of individuals earn over $4,000 per week, compared to the region where 32.8% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Camberwell demonstrates considerable affluence with 43.4% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income. 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 latest Census data shows 61.1% houses and 38.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Melbourne metro has 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Camberwell is 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 25.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $3,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent in Camberwell is $490, compared to Melbourne metro's $3,000 and $451 respectively. Nationally, Camberwell's mortgage repayments are higher at $3,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Camberwell are 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, consisting of 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, which is 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

Camberwell's educational attainment is notably high, with 56.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 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, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (7.4%). Educational participation is high with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising tertiary (9.2%), secondary (9.1%), and primary (8.4%) education levels.

Camberwell has five schools with a combined enrollment of 2,933 students. The area exhibits significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, indicated by its ICSEA score of 1141. Educational 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), suggesting 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. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 10 routes operating in total, carrying out 5,585 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Transport accessibility is good, with residents located an average of 205 meters from the nearest stop. The service frequency averages 797 trips per day across all routes, which translates 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 shows Camberwell performed well across various health metrics. Both young and elderly residents had low prevalence of common conditions.

Private health cover was high at approximately 79% (17,600 people), surpassing the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (6.7%) and asthma (6.6%). A total of 72.6% reported no medical ailments, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 73.8%. Camberwell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.9% (4,878 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Camberwell are strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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, as of the 2016 Census, showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas. Overseas-born residents made up 32.1%, while those speaking a language other than English at home constituted 26.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 46.2% of people identifying as such.

However, Judaism's representation in Camberwell was notably higher at 0.7%, compared to Melbourne's average of 0.9%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (23.4%), Australian (18.4%), and Chinese (11.6%). Some ethnic groups showed significant variations: Sri Lankan residents made up 0.8% in Camberwell versus 0.7% regionally, French was at 0.8% compared to 0.6%, and Greek residents were at 3.1% versus the regional average of 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 are prominent at 15.8%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 10.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 14.1% to 15.8%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.0% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Camberwell's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 512 people (61%) from 840 to 1,353. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 97% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.