Mooroolbark
Statistical Area - sa2

Mooroolbark has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Mooroolbark's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 24,402. This figure represents an increase of 1,256 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,146. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 24,296 as of June 2024 and an additional 312 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,945 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mooroolbark's growth rate of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (3.3%) and SA4 region, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.4% 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, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, Mooroolbark is expected to grow by approximately 2,574 persons by 2041, recording a total gain of around 10.0% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mooroolbark when compared nationally

Mooroolbark has seen approximately 126 new homes approved annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 633 dwellings were approved, with a further 31 approved in FY-26 as of now. The average population increase per dwelling built over these five years was 0.7 people.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $300,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY-26, $66.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mooroolbark has slightly more development, at 35.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values.

New building activity comprises 41.0% detached houses and 59.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the existing 95.0% houses indicates decreasing developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Mooroolbark exhibits characteristics of a low density area with around 230 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts project an increase of 2,430 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Mooroolbark has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 37 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Cloverlea Estate, Summerset Chirnside Park Retirement Village, Mt View Residences, and Little Scribblers Mooroolbark Early Learning Centre. The following list details those projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Mooroolbark shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Mooroolbark has a skilled labour force with the construction sector being prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.8% in June 2025, showing an increase of 0.7% over the past year.

There were 13,025 residents employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was 67.4%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries included construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction had a particularly high representation with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while professional & technical services showed lower representation at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

Employment opportunities in Mooroolbark appeared limited locally based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force grew by 0.7%, with unemployment remaining relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicated that overall national employment was projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Mooroolbark's specific employment mix suggested local growth rates of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Mooroolbark was $54,116 and average income was $64,722. This is comparable to national averages but lower than Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025 (approximately three years), current estimates would be around $60,697 for median income and $72,592 for average income. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Mooroolbark cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. The most common income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999, which captures 36.0% of individuals (8,784 people), similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. Mooroolbark's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mooroolbark is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mooroolbark's dwelling structure as of the latest Census comprised 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mooroolbark was at 32.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.1% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Mooroolbark was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Mooroolbark's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.6% of all households, including 38.8% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.4%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Mooroolbark aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Mooroolbark has a university qualification rate of 23.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 26.3%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.9% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

There are 10 schools operating within Mooroolbark educating approximately 4,788 students, serving typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1009). The educational mix includes 6 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 19.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, indicating Mooroolbark serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Mooroolbark has 46 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,656 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 422 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 522 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 79 weekly trips per stop.

Mooroolbark's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Mooroolbark's health metrics closely mirror national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 52%, leading that of the average SA2 area, with a total population of around 12,664 people. Mental health issues and asthma were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.2% and 8.7% of residents respectively. Approximately 68.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over, comprising around 4,026 people, which is lower than the 19.4% figure in Greater Melbourne. This places Mooroolbark's health profile broadly in line with that of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mooroolbark was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mooroolbark, as per the data, has a higher than average cultural diversity with 22.1% of its population born overseas and 15.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mooroolbark, accounting for 46.4% of its population. The 'Other' religious category shows an overrepresentation in Mooroolbark with 0.8%, compared to 0.7% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (28.5%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (9.0%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Dutch is overrepresented at 2.7% (compared to 3.2% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.4% (vs 0.3%), and Italian at 3.7% (vs 3.4%).

Mooroolbark's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mooroolbark's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and remaining comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 13.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.9% to 6.0%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.5% to 15.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 14.6% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mooroolbark's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 25%, adding 736 people and reaching 3,701 from 2,964. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.