Flinders

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

Flinders' population was around 6,074 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 79 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,995 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,065 in June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 21 persons per square kilometer. Flinders' growth rate of 1.3% since the census was within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch used VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Flinders' population was expected to increase by 412 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 6.6% over the 17-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 each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 193 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved so far in FY26. On average, about one new resident arrives per new home annually over these years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand and offering ample buyer choice while creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes has been around $1,553,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $28.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Flinders has seen slightly more development over the past five years, with 24.0% above the regional average per person, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

All new construction in Flinders has consisted of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. This is reflected by the approximate population density of 202 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Flinders is forecasted to gain around 403 residents through to 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 40thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 34 projects potentially impacting this region. Notable initiatives 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 strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 0.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6%.

As of September 2025, 3133 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.9%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation was 54.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Flinders has a significant specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment 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 based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6% and labour force by 2.4%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Flinders's employment mix indicates 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.

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 $51,484 and an average income of $119,206 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it in the top percentile nationally. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income was $54,892 with an average income of $73,761 in the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,744 (median) and $133,701 (average). Census data shows 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 in Flinders, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 36.8% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting increased 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 per the latest Census evaluation, 98.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.2% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's composition of 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Flinders stood at 59.9%, with mortgaged properties at 28.6% and rented dwellings at 11.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,244, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,989. The median weekly rent in Flinders was recorded at $424, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Flinders has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. As of the latest data, 42.6% of these residents hold university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the broader benchmarks of 23.5% in the SA4 region and 25.0% in the SA3 area. This high level of educational attainment positions Flinders strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common among university qualifications, with 28.3% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.2%, and graduate diplomas at 4.1%.

Trade and technical skills are also prominent in the area, with 28.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials. Advanced diplomas account for 12.8% of these residents, while certificates make up 16.0%. Educational participation is notably high in Flinders, 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 12 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, with one individual route in operation. Collectively, they provide 48 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2381 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 6 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Flinders's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Flinders residents show positive health outcomes with common conditions affecting both young and old similarly. Private health cover is high at approximately 80%, compared to 57.9% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and asthma (7.2%).

67.3% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 63.9%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 38.6%, compared to 29.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, exceeding the general population's metrics.

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

Flinders had a cultural diversity below average, with 84.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 40.5% of Flinders' population. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.6%, compared to 0.2% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (36.1%), Australian (24.5%), and Scottish (11.1%). Notably, Irish (10.8%) and French (0.6%) were overrepresented, while Dutch (1.4%) was underrepresented compared to regional figures.

Flinders ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Flinders' median age is 56, surpassing Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 20.9% of Flinders' population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national figure of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 9.6% to 13.6%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 2.8% to 4.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.0%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 20.0% to 18.5%. By 2041, Flinders' age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 397 people (48%), reaching 1,226. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 96% of total population growth. Conversely, populations in the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to decline.