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 5853 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 37 people (0.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5816 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5834 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population 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 that 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, Over this period, 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 approximately eight new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 44 homes were approved, with two more approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline in recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $415,000. This financial year, $30.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Monbulk-Silvan records significantly lower building activity, 62.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although building activity has increased in recent years. The area's level of building activity is also below national average, reflecting its maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With an estimated 547 people per dwelling approval, Monbulk-Silvan maintains a quiet, low activity development environment. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, reducing pressure on housing and potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

The performance of an area is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to affect this area. Notable projects 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 project. The following list outlines those most relevant:.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Monbulk - Silvan significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Monbulk-Silvan has a skilled workforce with a notable presence in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of September 2025. This rate is lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.6%. As of September 2025, 3,109 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 66.8%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant portion, 25.6% of residents, worked from home according to Census responses, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among Monbulk-Silvan residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 14.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.9%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 0.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0%, labour force expansion of 3.3%, and an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points during the same period. For future insights, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for local 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 financial year 2023 shows that Monbulk - Silvan SA2 has an average national income. The median assessed income is $52,125 and the average income stands at $67,515. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's figures are a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, the current estimates for Monbulk - Silvan would be approximately $56,425 (median) and $73,085 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Monbulk - Silvan cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Income brackets show that 33.3% of locals (1,949 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is also predominant in the region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. 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

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 exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents were 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% of the total. 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 prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (27.6%). Educational participation is high at 29.6%, with 10.5% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 26 active stops operating in Monbulk - Silvan area, all bus services. Five routes serve these stops, providing a total of 816 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically located 374 meters from the nearest stop. In this residential area, most commute outward; car use dominates at 91%, with 5% walking. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.0, above regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 25.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 116 trips daily across all routes, about 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 above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover rate is approximately 53% of the total population (~3,078 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (8.6%) and asthma (8.5%). 68.3% of residents declare themselves 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), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. 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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2009, showed a lower level of cultural diversity compared to the regional average. Of its population, 83.9% were born in Australia, with 91.3% being Australian citizens and 93.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity was found to be the predominant religion in Monbulk-Silvan, comprising 38.5% of the population.

However, the category 'Other' showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.8% versus 2.3%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English at 32.5%, Australian at 27.5%, and Irish at 7.8%, all higher than their respective regional averages of 20.1%, 18.4%, and 6.9%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, while Polish showed a similar representation at 0.8%, and Italian was slightly underrepresented at 3.7% versus the regional average of 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 make up 14.4%, while those aged 25-34 years constitute only 7.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.3% to 8.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 12.0% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 9.8% to 7.0%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Monbulk - Silvan's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow 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. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.