Flinders

Population growth drivers in Flinders are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Flinders' population is around 6084 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 89 people (1.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5995 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6065 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 21 persons per square kilometer. Flinders' 1.5% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 412 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting recording a gain of 6.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Flinders recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Flinders has seen approximately 38 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 193 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, one new resident arrived for every new home approved.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of these new homes was $1,553,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, approximately $28.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development in Flinders compared to Greater Melbourne.

Over the past five years, Flinders has seen slightly more development than the regional average per person, about 24.0% higher. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. All new construction in Flinders over this period has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 202 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Flinders is forecasted to gain around 393 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Flinders has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include the Rosebud Hospital Advocacy Campaign, Jetty Road Overpass (Cancelled), Rosebud Foreshore Redevelopment, and Rosebud Plaza Shopping Centre Redevelopment. 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Flinders performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Flinders has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 0.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6%. As of September 2025, 3,133 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation lagged at 59.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses showed 40.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area had a high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (11.4 times the regional level) but was under-represented in transport, postal & warehousing (1.8% vs Greater Melbourne's 5.2%).

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, labour force by 2.4%, leading to a slight unemployment fall of 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Flinders. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. Applying these projections to Flinders' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Flinders SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $52,589 and an average of $116,293 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This places it among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $56,928 (median) and $125,887 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Flinders rank highly nationally, between the 77th and 78th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 28.3% of the community (1,721 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 36.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 91.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Flinders, as recorded in the latest Census, 98.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's dwelling composition of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Flinders stood at 59.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented ones at 11.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,244, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Flinders was $424, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Flinders' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Flinders has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.0% of all households, including 27.3% that are couples with children, 41.4% that are couples without children, and 6.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 22.9% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Flinders exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Flinders has a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 42.6% have university qualifications, compared to 23.5% in the SA4 region and 25.0% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.8% and certificates for 16.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Flinders has 12 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering a total of 40 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents located an average of 2381 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 90%, while 8% walk. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling, above the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 40.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Flinders's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Flinders, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (4,775 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.9 and 7.2% of residents respectively. Notably, 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 40.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,444 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Flinders is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Flinders' population is predominantly Australian-born, with 84.4% born there, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. As of 2016, 89.4% are citizens. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 40.5%.

Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, English (36.1%) and Australian (24.5%) are significantly higher than regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4%, respectively. Scottish ancestry also exceeds the regional average at 11.1% compared to 5.6%. Notably, Irish ancestry is overrepresented at 10.8%, French at 0.6%, and Dutch at 1.4%, each exceeding their respective regional averages of 6.5%, 0.5%, and 1.2%.

Flinders ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Flinders has a median age of 56, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 21.4% of Flinders' population, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 4.6%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.6% to 14.4%, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 2.8% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 10.2%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 20.0% to 18.8%. By 2041, Flinders' age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is expected to more than double, increasing by 352 people (133%) from 265 to 618. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 98% of total population growth, reflecting Flinders' aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 0-4 cohorts.