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 is around 5,850 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 34 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,816. The change 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 level of population equates to a density ratio of 85 persons per square kilometer. Monbulk-Silvan's growth rate of 0.6% since the census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 62.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 203 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, led by the 85 and over age group, projected to grow 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 averaged approximately eight new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 44 homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $415,000.

In the current financial year, there have been $30.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk-Silvan has significantly less development activity, 62.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. Nationally, this area's development activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised 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. With population projections showing stability or decline, Monbulk-Silvan should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to impact this particular area. Notable 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. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area:.

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.

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

Monbulk-Silvan has a skilled workforce with the construction sector prominently represented. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year.

This figure is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. In June 2025, 3,122 residents are employed, and workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Notably, the area has a high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 14.3 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.9% 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%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Monbulk-Silvan's industry mix suggests local growth could be approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified 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 2022 shows that Monbulk - Silvan has a median income of $50,415 and an average income of $65,818. This is slightly above the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $54,892 and the average is $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $56,545 (median) and $73,821 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Monbulk - Silvan's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 50th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort in Monbulk - Silvan is 33.3% of locals (1,948 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region's 32.8%. After housing expenses, 86.3% of income remains for other expenses. 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

In Monbulk-Silvan, evaluated at the Census in 2016, 97.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 93.8% were houses and 6.3% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Monbulk-Silvan stood at 41.9%, with mortgaged properties at 45.7% and rented ones at 12.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Melbourne's average of $1,950 but below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Monbulk-Silvan was $360, lower than Melbourne's $380 and 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 consist of the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 19.6% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is 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 has university qualification rates of 22.8%, significantly lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 primary education (10.5%), secondary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (4.1%). There are seven schools operating in Monbulk - Silvan, educating approximately 1,053 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1036). The educational mix includes four primary schools, one secondary school, and two K-12 schools. Note that 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 stops operating within Monbulk - Silvan, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by six individual routes, collectively facilitating 909 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 374 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 129 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per 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, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~3,065 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. About 68.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.9% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 20.6% (1,206 people), compared to 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 83.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 38.5%. The category 'Other' was slightly overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (32.5%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (7.8%). Some ethnicities showed notable differences: Dutch were overrepresented at 6.2% versus 3.2%, Polish at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Italian at 3.7% versus 3.4%.

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 years make up 13.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise 7.7%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.3% to 7.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen 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 fallen from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate 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, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.