Donvale - Park Orchards

Donvale - Park Orchards is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Donvale-Park Orchards' population is approximately 16,780 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 505 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,275. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures for June 2024 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 806 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages in other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Donvale-Park Orchards' growth of 3.1% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.5%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during this period.

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 utilises Victorian State Government Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest a median national area increase, with Donvale-Park Orchards expected to expand by 724 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 4.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Donvale - Park Orchards according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Donvale-Park Orchards has averaged approximately 48 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 241 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY26. Despite a decrease in population, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction value of new properties is $607,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, $18.3 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced activity compared to Greater Melbourne. Donvale-Park Orchards has slightly more development than the regional average per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years and is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows an equal split between detached dwellings (50%) and townhouses or apartments (50%), offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (90%).

The estimated population density of 462 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Donvale-Park Orchards will gain an additional 722 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Donvale - Park Orchards has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 50 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Donvale Indoor Sports Centre Masterplan, Parque Townhomes, Mullum Creek Eco Development, and the social housing project at 26-32 McDowall Street. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Donvale - Park Orchards performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Donvale - Park Orchards has a highly educated workforce with professional services being well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of September 2025, 8,871 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 61.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence with 2.4% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, while the labour force grew by 0.9%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows that Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years in Donvale - Park Orchards, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Donvale - Park Orchards SA2 had one of Australia's highest income levels according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 30, 2022. Its median income among taxpayers was $52,889 and average income stood at $84,962, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,320 (median) and $95,293 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since the financial year ended June 30, 2022. Census data shows household incomes rank at the 82nd percentile ($2,284 weekly), while personal income ranks lower at the 54th percentile. Income distribution reveals that 27.4% of the population (4,597 individuals) fall within the $4000+ range, differing from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 32.8%. Economic strength is evident with 39.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Donvale - Park Orchards is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Donvale - Park Orchards, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Donvale - Park Orchards was 46.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (40.3%) or rented (13.0%), similar to Melbourne metro's figures. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,582, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,500. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $451, slightly above Melbourne metro's $459. Nationally, Donvale - Park Orchards' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Donvale - Park Orchards features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 81.1% of all households, including 44.8% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Donvale - Park Orchards shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Donvale - Park Orchards is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 40.8% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.3% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 14.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 86 active transport stops operating within Donvale - Park Orchards. These stops are serviced by a mix of buses on 11 individual routes, collectively providing 4,287 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 309 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 612 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Donvale - Park Orchards. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (10,470 people), compared to 65.7% across Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively. 72.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,805 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Donvale - Park Orchards 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

Donvale-Park Orchards has a higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 32.1% of its population born overseas and 28.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Donvale-Park Orchards, comprising 53.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism, at 0.2%, is proportionally similar to Greater Melbourne's figure of 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (22.0%), Australian (19.4%), and Chinese (12.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable variations: Italian is overrepresented at 7.0% compared to the regional average of 6.2%, Greek at 3.5% versus 3.0%, and Sri Lankan at 0.5% compared to 0.4%.

Donvale - Park Orchards hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Donvale - Park Orchards is 45 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donvale - Park Orchards has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 13.7% to 14.7%, while the 45-54 age group decreased from 15.5% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Donvale - Park Orchards' age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 74% (458 people), reaching 1,076 from 617. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.