Monbulk - Silvan

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Monbulk - Silvan's population is around 5,853 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 37 people (0.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,816 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,834 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 85 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 62.1% of overall 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 203 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 184 people.

The level of residential development activity in Monbulk - Silvan is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Monbulk - Silvan has seen around 8 new homes approved annually, with 44 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $415,000. Additionally, $30.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk - Silvan records markedly lower building activity (62.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 547 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Monbulk - Silvan should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Monbulk - Silvan has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, and Additional VLocity Trains, with the list below detailing those likely to be of 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 reveals Monbulk - Silvan significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Monbulk - Silvan possesses a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 2.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,122 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 25.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 14.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 5.9% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.2% while the labour force increased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, the labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Monbulk - Silvan. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Monbulk - Silvan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Monbulk - Silvan SA2 is approximately average nationally, with the median assessed at $52,125 while the average income stands at $67,515. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,425 (median) and $73,085 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Monbulk - Silvan cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 33.3% of locals (1,949 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing, 86.3% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Monbulk - Silvan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Monbulk - Silvan was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 41.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.7%) or rented (12.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Monbulk - Silvan's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Monbulk - Silvan features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 78.3% of all households, comprising 38.5% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 19.6% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (22.8%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (27.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 26 active transport stops operating within Monbulk - Silvan, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 816 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 374 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 25.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 116 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Monbulk - Silvan is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Monbulk - Silvan demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,078 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.6 and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 68.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,244 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Monbulk - Silvan ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Monbulk - Silvan was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Monbulk - Silvan is Christianity, which makes up 38.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Monbulk - Silvan are English, comprising 32.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 27.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, and Irish, comprising 7.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 6.2% of Monbulk - Silvan (vs 1.2% regionally), Polish at 0.8% (vs 0.8%) and Italian at 3.7% (vs 5.2%).

Monbulk - Silvan's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 43-year median age in Monbulk - Silvan is considerably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.4%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (7.0%) than in Greater Melbourne. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.3% to 8.3% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.0% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.8% to 7.0% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Monbulk - Silvan's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 164 people (139%) from 118 to 283. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.