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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Monbulk - Silvan has an estimated 5,842 residents, up from 5,816 at the 2021 Census. Density is about 85 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Monbulk - Silvan stands at approximately 5,842 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 26 residents (0.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, when 5,816 people were recorded. This variance is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 5,840 from June 2025 alongside 18 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Based on these numbers, the local density is 85 persons per square kilometer, which indicates low density and potential space for future construction. The primary catalyst for local population increases was overseas migration, which made up about 71.0% of the total demographic growth recently.
AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For locations lacking this coverage, projections from the VIC State Government released in 2023 are used, adjusted by aggregating population expansion from LGA to SA2 levels using a weighted system. Age bracket growth trends derived from these computations are applied to all regions for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these anticipated demographic transformations, a population contraction is expected over this timeframe, with the area losing 193 residents by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, some age cohorts are projected to expand, particularly individuals aged 85 and over, who are expected to rise in number by 171 people. Refer to the age section for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
44 new dwellings have been approved in Monbulk - Silvan over the past five years, an average of 8 a year. That is 1.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 6, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An average of 8 new home approvals are registered annually in Monbulk - Silvan, representing 44 residential dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 6 approvals have been documented so far. Since the population decreased during the prior period, the volume of new housing has likely matched demand, keeping options open for purchasers, with new construction showing an average building cost of $415,000. In addition, commercial approvals have reached $30.9 million this financial year, demonstrating active non-residential development. In comparison with Greater Melbourne, Monbulk - Silvan exhibits limited building activity, registering 61.0% below regional average per person.
This low volume of new housing generally supports valuations and demand for pre-existing properties, even though construction has risen lately. The rate is also below the national average, indicating a mature area that may have planning limitations. Additionally, recent construction has consisted entirely of single-family detached homes, preserving the established low-density layout of the suburb and catering to families desiring space. A ratio of 549 people per residential approval highlights the calm, low-volume construction environment in the area. Given that demographic forecasts indicate either stable or declining numbers, housing demand pressures in Monbulk - Silvan are expected to ease, which should benefit buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Monbulk - Silvan
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 49 current infrastructure and development projects close to Monbulk - Silvan, worth an estimated $871 million. 13 are already under construction and 9 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major upgrades are highly influential in shaping a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 2 projects that are expected to affect this area. Notable undertakings include the Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, the Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, the South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, and the Additional VLocity Trains, with the primary projects outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mount Dandenong Tourist Road Landslide Repair Works
Critical repair works to address landslide damage caused by severe weather in July 2024. Works include geotechnical stabilization, drainage infrastructure upgrades, and road surface restoration to restore full safety and functionality.
Six Senses Resort And Spa At Burnham Beeches
$100-million transformed Burnham Beeches into Australia's first Six Senses resort, offering 43-room hotel, wellness retreat, restaurant, bar, and 39 luxury glamping spots for a total of 82 accommodations.
Sherbrooke Children's Centre Services
Ongoing community programs and activities supporting families through all stages of life, including Best Start program and children's services. Part of Yarra Ranges Council's $17 million community services budget allocation.
Mount Dandenong Tourist Road Safety Improvements
Road safety upgrades including sealed 1.5m-wide shoulders on uphill sections, drainage improvements, surface upgrades, and bus stop enhancements. Project designed to reduce conflicts between vehicles and cyclists while improving overall road safety.
Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program
Nature conservation and biodiversity protection initiatives under the Yarra Ranges Nature Plan 2024-2034, including fox control programs, vegetation management, and climate change adaptation measures across the Dandenong Ranges.
Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve Master Plan
Master plan guiding the long-term enhancement, management and future development of the Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve. The reserve supports a range of sporting, environmental and community uses. The associated playspace renewal project has now been completed and opened to the public, while the broader master plan remains in the consultation and design phase to guide future staged improvements.
Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program
Comprehensive drainage and stormwater management improvements across the municipality, including upgrades to aging infrastructure, flood risk assessments, and climate change adaptation measures. Budget allocation of $16.2 million over six years.
York Road Upgrade
Potential upgrade to York Road between Swansea and Monbulk roads in Mount Evelyn, Victoria. Planning work and a comprehensive business case have been completed and submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning to inform a potential future upgrade. The project aims to improve safety, reliability, intersections (at Swansea and Monbulk roads), and walking/cycling infrastructure.
3,139 residents of Monbulk - Silvan are employed, from a labour force of 3,224. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 67.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,362, about 92% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Monbulk - Silvan possesses a highly trained labor force, featuring a strong representation in the construction sector, an unemployment rate of only 2.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 2.0% over the prior year. In March 2026, 3,139 locals were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.1% lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while the labor participation rate was slightly low at 67.6% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne. According to Census records, a high proportion of residents, 25.6%, worked from home, although this may have been influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local citizens are construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area shows a highly concentrated workforce in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which is 14.3 times the regional average. On the other hand, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 5.9% of jobs compared to 10.1% across the region. The comparison between Census workers and resident workers suggests that the local area offers few local jobs. AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics indicates that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the number of employed persons grew by 2.0% and the labor force grew by 1.8%, leading to a decrease of 0.2 percentage points in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labor force grow by 2.3%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia issued in May-25 offer additional context regarding future demand trends in Monbulk - Silvan. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary greatly by sector. Applying these national industry trends to the local employment distribution suggests that Monbulk - Silvan's workforce will grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Monbulk - Silvan is $1,872 a week (about $97,000 a year), with median personal income at $776 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,125 a year against an average of $67,515. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode data from the ATO for financial year 2023 shows that incomes in the Monbulk - Silvan SA2 match national averages, with a median of $52,125 and an average of $67,515. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Adjusting these figures for a Wage Price Index rise of 9.62% since financial year 2023 results in current estimates of about $57,139 for the median and $74,010 for the average in March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Monbulk - Silvan are situated around the 50th percentile nationally.
The largest income bracket contains 33.3% of the local population (1,945 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, which aligns with the surrounding region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Once housing costs are met, residents retain 86.3% of their income for other purchases, and the area is positioned in the 6th decile of the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Monbulk - Silvan had 2,005 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 46% are owned with a mortgage, 12% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $360 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 19.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The composition of housing in Monbulk - Silvan at the time of the last Census was 97.5% stand-alone houses and 2.5% alternative dwellings like apartments, townhouses, and other types, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings in metropolitan Melbourne. Home ownership rates in Monbulk - Silvan were much higher than in metropolitan Melbourne at 41.9%, while the remaining properties were either being purchased with a mortgage (45.7%) or occupied by tenants (12.4%). The median monthly cost for mortgages matched the metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to Melbourne's averages of $2,000 and $390.
Monbulk - Silvan's mortgage costs are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs are lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Monbulk - Silvan counted 2,005 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 75% of areas nationally, against 29% couples without children. 20% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 78.3%, consisting of couples with children at 38.5%, couples without children at 28.9%, and single parents at 10.0%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.7%, with single person dwellings at 19.6% and shared group households at 2.2%. The median household occupancy of 2.8 people exceeds the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
22.8% of adults in Monbulk - Silvan hold a university qualification, including 15.0% with a bachelor degree and 4.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 27.6% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 1,053 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,036 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area is low, with the percentage of residents holding university degrees (22.8%) sitting far below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This situation presents both a difficulty and a chance for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 15.0%, followed by postgraduates at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly represented, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (27.6%). Participation in schooling is high, with 29.6% of local inhabitants enrolled in an educational institution.
This figure is made up of 10.5% in primary school, 8.7% in high school, and 4.1% studying in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Monbulk - Silvan reaches 26 stops on 5 routes, timetabled for about 820 services a week. The typical home sits about 370 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 2.0 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the local transit system shows 26 active bus stops in Monbulk - Silvan. These stops are serviced by 5 separate routes, which support 816 weekly trips. Public transport access is good, with residents living an average of 374 meters from the closest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers commute out of the suburb, with cars being the main transport method at 91%, followed by walking at 5%. Households own an average of 2.0 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A high proportion of residents, 25.6%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.
The average service frequency is 116 daily runs across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 31 weekly runs per transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.3% of residents in Monbulk - Silvan report no long-term health condition. 4.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Monbulk - Silvan displays favorable health characteristics, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illnesses, which shows low rates of typical medical conditions among both young and old cohorts, while the proportion of people with private medical insurance is slightly higher than the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the population (~3,072 people). This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common ailments, affecting 8.6 and 8.5% of the population, respectively, while 68.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.
Health standards for working-age residents are typical. The population contains 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,228 people), which is higher than the 15.0% found in Greater Melbourne. The health status of seniors is above average, with national rankings corresponding to the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Monbulk - Silvan is largely Australian-born, at 83.9% of residents, with 6.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.5%) and Australian (27.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Monbulk - Silvan is relatively low, with 83.9% of residents born in Australia, 91.3% holding citizenship, and 93.8% using only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, followed by 38.5% of the local population. The most visible statistical difference is in the Other category, which represents 0.8% of residents compared to 2.3% in Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in Monbulk - Silvan are English at 32.5% of the population (exceeding the regional average of 20.1%), Australian at 27.5% (exceeding the regional average of 18.4%), and Irish at 7.8%.
There are also notable differences in other ethnic groups: Dutch heritage is highly represented at 6.2% of the local population (compared to 1.2% regionally), Polish is at 0.8% (compared to 0.8% regionally), and Italian is at 3.7% (compared to 5.2% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Monbulk - Silvan is 43. 20.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 43 in Monbulk - Silvan is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and is also above the national median of 38. The age distribution reveals that the 55 - 64 bracket is highly represented (13.9%), while the 25 - 34 group is small (7.5%) compared to Greater Melbourne. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 5.3% to 7.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group increased from 12.0% to 13.2%. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 age bracket fell from 9.8% to 7.5%, and the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 15.9% to 14.8%.
Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts suggest notable changes in the age profile of Monbulk - Silvan. The group aged 85 and over is expected to grow dramatically, increasing by 160 individuals (142%) from 112 to 273. The combined cohorts aged 65 and over are projected to represent 100% of the population growth, highlighting the aging nature of the community. In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 brackets are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Monbulk - Silvan
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 18 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,816 at the 2021 Census → 5,842 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (211051279). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.