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

As of May 2026, Monbulk - Silvan's population is approximately 5,842, reflecting a 26-person increase since the 2021 Census. This rise corresponds to a 0.4% growth from the previous population count of 5,816. The estimated resident population in June 2025 was 5,840, with an additional 18 validated new addresses contributing to this increase. This results in a density ratio of 85 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space and potential for further development. Overseas migration drove recent population growth, accounting for approximately 71.0% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to reach SA2 levels. By 2041, according to these projections, Monbulk - Silvan's population is expected to decline by 193 persons. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow; notably, the 85 and over age group is projected to increase by 171 people during this period.

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 averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 44 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing buyers with good choice while new homes are constructed at an average cost of $415,000. This financial year has seen $30.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk-Silvan has significantly less development activity, 61.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, development activity has increased recently. Nationally, this area is also below average, reflecting its maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Monbulk-Silvan'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, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment.

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

Monbulk - Silvan has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Two projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially influencing the region: Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, and Additional VLocity Trains. The most relevant projects are listed below.

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

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Employment conditions in Monbulk - Silvan demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Monbulk-Silvan has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of December 2025, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%.

As of December 2025, 3122 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 67.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 25.6% doing so according to Census responses. Key industries of employment include construction, health care and social assistance, and agriculture, forestry and fishing. The area has a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry and fishing, with employment levels at 14.3 times the regional average.

However, professional and technical services have limited presence, with only 5.9% of residents employed compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force increased by 1.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth rates varying between industry sectors over five and ten-year periods. Applying these projections to Monbulk-Silvan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Monbulk - Silvan SA2 is $52,125, with an average income of $67,515. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,139 (median) and $74,010 (average). Census 2021 data shows Monbulk - Silvan's household, family, and personal incomes are around the national median. Income distribution reveals that 33.3% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, consistent with surrounding regions at 32.8%. After housing expenses, 86.3% of income remains for other costs. Monbulk - Silvan's SEIFA income ranking places it in the sixth decile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Monbulk - Silvan, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Monbulk - Silvan stood at 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.7% and rented ones at 12.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Monbulk - Silvan's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 22.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 27.6%. Educational participation is high, with 29.6% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.5%), secondary (8.7%), and tertiary (4.1%).

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

Monbulk - Silvan has 26 active public transport stops, all buses. Five routes serve these stops, carrying a total of 816 weekly passengers. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 374 meters, with good accessibility. Most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (91%), followed by walking (5%). The area has an above-average vehicle ownership rate of 2.0 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 25.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 116 trips across all routes, resulting in approximately 31 weekly trips per 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 better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,072 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 68.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.0%, with 1,228 people, compared to 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for 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, as per the census conducted on the 9th of August, 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. A majority of its residents were born in Australia, with 83.9%, and held citizenship at 91.3%. English was spoken exclusively at home by 93.8% of the population.

Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 38.5% of the population. However, the category 'Other' was notably underrepresented, making up only 0.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%. In terms of ancestry, English heritage was significantly overrepresented at 32.5%, Australian at 27.5%, and Irish at 7.8%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was also overrepresented at 6.2%, while Polish and Italian were relatively balanced at 0.8% and 3.7% respectively, compared to regional averages of 1.2%, 0.8%, and 5.2%.

Monbulk - Silvan's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 years are particularly prominent, making up 13.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years make up only 7.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of people aged 75-84 has grown from 5.3% to 7.9%, and the proportion of those aged 15-24 has increased from 12.0% to 13.2%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 25-34 has declined from 9.8% to 7.5%, and the proportion of those aged 45-54 has dropped from 15.9% to 14.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Monbulk - Silvan's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 160 individuals (142%) from 112 to 273. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the age cohorts of 55-64 and 45-54 are expected to experience population declines.