Flinders

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

As of May 2026, Flinders' population is approximately 6,066, marking a 1.2% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,995 people. This growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,064 in June 2025 and four new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density is around 21 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Flinders has shown consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, surpassing its SA4 region's growth rate. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth. 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 VIC State Government's 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. Based on these projections, Flinders is expected to grow by approximately 389 persons by 2041, reflecting a total growth of around 6.4% over the 16-year period.

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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 193 homes were approved, with an additional 24 approved so far in FY26. On average, about one new resident arrives per year for each new home over these five years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing ample buyer choice while also allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost of new homes is $1,553,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $28.0 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development in Flinders. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Flinders has slightly more development activity, measuring 23.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. All new construction in Flinders comprises detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 202 people per dwelling approval, further indicating a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Flinders is forecasted to gain around 387 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Flinders has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 36 relevant projects, including major initiatives like Rosebud Hospital Advocacy Campaign, Rosebud Foreshore Redevelopment, Jetty Road Overpass (cancelled), and Rosebud Plaza Shopping Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

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 an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 0.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.0%. As of December 2025, Flinders had 3,156 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation at 59.4%.

This is below Greater Melbourne's rates of 4.8% unemployment and 69.9% workforce participation. Census responses indicate 40.7% of Flinders' residents work from home. Key industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has significant employment specialization, with a share 11.4 times the regional level.

However, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented at 1.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and labour force grew by 1.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Flinders SA2 was $52,589 and the average was $116,293 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. This places Flinders in the top percentile nationally when compared with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $57,648 and the average will be around $127,480 based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Flinders rank between the 77th and 78th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 28.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% fall within this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 36.8% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting increased consumer spending. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 91.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

Flinders' latest Census showed 98.7% houses and 1.2% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Flinders was 59.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented at 11.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,244, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Flinders was $424, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Flinders' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents 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% couples with children, 41.4% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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, 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

Educational attainment in Flinders is notably high, with 42.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 23.5% in the broader 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 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.8% and certificates for 16.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents 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 twelve operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route collectively offering forty weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with residents typically 2381 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most commute outward using cars at 90%, while 8% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, above regional average. Forty-point-seven percent of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages five trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per 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 area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 78% of Flinders' total population (4,761 people) have private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the 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 a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 39.7% (2,408 people), compared to 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a population where 84.4% were born in Australia, 89.4% were citizens, and 96.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 40.5%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.6% versus 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, English (36.1%), Australian (24.5%), and Scottish (11.1%) were the top three groups, each substantially higher than regional averages. There were notable divergences in Irish (10.8% vs 6.5%), French (0.6% vs 0.5%), and Dutch (1.4% vs 1.2%) representations compared to Greater Melbourne.

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 also above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 21.1% of Flinders' population, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort represents only 5.1%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.6% to 14.3%, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 2.8% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 10.1%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 20.0% to 18.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Flinders' age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to more than double, growing by 348 people (133%) from 261 to 610. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 97% of total population growth, reflecting Flinders' aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 0-4 cohorts.