Monbulk - Silvan
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Monbulk-Silvan's population was around 5,850 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 34 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,816. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,834 in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 85 persons per square kilometer. The area's 0.6% growth since the census places it within 2.7 percentage points of its SA3 area, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, it utilises the 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 years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, projections indicate an overall population decline of 203 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, 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 averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 44 approvals across the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, with 1 approval so far in FY26. Recent population decline indicates that new supply has likely met demand, offering good buyer choice while maintaining average dwelling construction costs of $476,000. This year, commercial development approvals reached $30.9 million, indicating robust local business investment.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk-Silvan has significantly less development activity, 62.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. Nationally, this area's development is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 547 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment.

With population projections indicating stability or decline, Monbulk-Silvan should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Monbulk - Silvan has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area. These include the Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2, and South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades. The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The labour market in Monbulk - Silvan shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Monbulk-Silvan has a skilled workforce with a notable presence in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

The area experienced employment growth of 1.3% over the past year. There are currently 3,122 residents employed, with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Melbourne's at 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing has high employment levels at 14.3 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 5.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 0.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had higher growth rates for both employment and labour force, with an increase in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year as of Sep-25, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.26%, and the unemployment rate was 4.5%. Looking ahead, national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Monbulk-Silvan's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Monbulk - Silvan's median income at $50,415 and average income at $65,818. Nationally, the median was $49,371 and the average was $65,036 in that period. In Greater Melbourne, median income was $54,892 and average was $73,761. By March 2025, estimates suggest Monbulk - Silvan's median income could be around $55,512 and average at approximately $72,472, based on a 10.11% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data indicates incomes in Monbulk - Silvan cluster around the national median. Income distribution shows that 33.3% of locals (1,948 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, slightly higher than the surrounding region's 32.8%. After housing expenses, 86.3% of income remains for other expenses. Monbulk - Silvan ranks in the 6th decile for SEIFA income.

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

In Monbulk-Silvan as assessed at the latest Census in 2016, 97.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.5% comprising semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Monbulk-Silvan stood at 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.7% and rented ones at 12.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment for the area was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's $1,950 but lower than the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Monbulk-Silvan was $360, slightly less than Melbourne metro's $380 and below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.3% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 19.6% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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 at 22.8%, substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (27.6%).

Educational participation is high at 29.6%, including 10.5% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. There are seven schools operating within Monbulk - Silvan, educating approximately 1,053 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1036) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 27 active transport stops within Monbulk - Silvan area, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 6 individual routes, collectively facilitating 909 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 374 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 129 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Monbulk - Silvan's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Monbulk-Silvan's health metrics closely match national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen similarly across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the SA2 area average (~3,065 people). Mental health issues affect 8.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.5%. About 68.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.9% in Greater Melbourne. Residents aged 65 and over make up 20.6%, higher than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne (1,206 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population's health metrics.

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, surveyed in the period from 1st July 2016 to 30th June 2021, showed below-average cultural diversity. 83.9% of its residents were born in Australia, with 91.3% being Australian citizens and 93.8% speaking English at home only. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 38.5% of the population.

Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 0.8%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 0.7%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (7.8%). Significant disparities existed in the representation of Dutch (6.2% vs regional 3.2%), Polish (0.8% vs 0.7%), and Italian (3.7% vs 3.4%) ancestry groups.

Monbulk - Silvan hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Monbulk - Silvan is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 make up 13.9%, while those aged 25-34 constitute only 7.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.3% to 7.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 12.0% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 9.8% to 7.7%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Monbulk - Silvan's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 176 people (166%) from 106 to 283. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of the total population growth, indicating an aging demographic trend in the area. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.