Donvale - Park Orchards
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of November 2025, Donvale - Park Orchards' population is approximately 16,780. This figure represents an increase of 505 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,275. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 16,778 in June 2024 and an additional 90 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 806 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Donvale - Park Orchards' growth of 3.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds the SA3 area's 2.5%, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with 2022 as the base year, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation for areas not covered by ABS data. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the national median to 2041, with Donvale - Park Orchards expected to expand by 724 persons, recording 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 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 cost value for 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 in this sector. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donvale - Park Orchards has seen slightly more development, with 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This has maintained 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 consists of 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% townhouses or apartments.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (90.0%). The estimated population per dwelling approval in the area is 462, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts predict Donvale - Park Orchards will gain 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 50 such projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include the Donvale Indoor Sports Centre Masterplan, Parque Townhomes, Mullum Creek Eco Development, and 26-32 McDowell Street Social Housing, with the following list detailing 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.

Donvale - Park Orchards ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Donvale-Park Orchards has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4%.

As of June 2025, 8,821 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 61.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 2.4% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 0.7%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5% and unemployment increase by 0.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Donvale-Park Orchards' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9%% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Donvale - Park Orchards' median income among taxpayers was $52,889 and average income stood at $84,962 in financial year 2022. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $59,320 and average income is $95,293 as of September 2025. Census data shows household incomes rank at the 83rd percentile ($2,284 weekly) and personal income ranks at the 54th percentile. Income distribution reveals 27.4% (4,597 individuals) fall within the $4000+ range, differing from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.8%. Economic strength is evident with 39.1% of households earning high weekly incomes 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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Donvale - Park Orchards comprised 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. Home ownership levels in Donvale - Park Orchards were at 46.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.3% and rented dwellings at 13.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,582, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,500. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $451, compared to 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 account for 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 constitute 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 significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 40.8% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the 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+ holding them - advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (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. There are 9 schools operating within Donvale - Park Orchards, educating approximately 4,176 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1100). The educational mix includes 4 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 24.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 19.5, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in the area comprising Donvale - Park Orchards indicates that there are currently 86 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 11 individual routes providing service. The total number of weekly passenger trips across these routes is 4,287.

The accessibility of transport for residents in the area is rated as good, with an average distance of 309 meters to the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 612 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 saw low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (10,470 people), compared to 65.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively, while 72.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.0% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2016, the area had 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,805 people). Health outcomes among seniors were 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 than most local areas, with 32.1% of its population born overseas and 28.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Donvale-Park Orchards, accounting for 53.6% of its population. However, Judaism shows an overrepresentation, comprising 0.2% locally compared to the same percentage across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.0%), Australian (19.4%), and Chinese (12.4%). Notably, Italian (7.0%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 6.2%, as are Greek (3.5% vs 3.0%) and Sri Lankan (0.5% vs 0.4%) groups.

Donvale - Park Orchards hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Donvale - Park Orchards is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Donvale - Park Orchards has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 13.7% to 14.7%, while the population aged 45-54 declined from 15.5% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Donvale - Park Orchards' age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 74%, reaching 1,076 from 617. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above 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.