Mulgrave

Population growth drivers in Mulgrave are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mulgrave's population is around 21,392 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,503 people (7.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,889 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,981 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 210 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,995 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mulgrave's 7.6% growth since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 91.2% 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, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 4,788 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 20.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Mulgrave has recorded around 128 residential properties granted approval annually, with 644 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 47 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $375,000. There have also been $187.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mulgrave has slightly more development (18.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity shows 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 83.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 219 people per approval, Mulgrave reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Mulgrave is expected to grow by 4,377 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Mulgrave has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include HomeCo. Brandon Park Redevelopment, Nexus Corporate Park, Collegium Avenue Townhouses, and 855-869 Ferntree Gully Road Townhouses, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Mulgrave ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Mulgrave has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.7%, and 4.5% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,507 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 30.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 8.4% of Mulgrave's workforce compared to 9.7% in Greater Melbourne. With 1.2 workers for every resident as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5% and the labour force increased by 4.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mulgrave. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mulgrave's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Mulgrave SA2 is approximately average nationally, with the median assessed at $55,918 while the average income stands at $67,739. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,531 (median) and $73,327 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,913 weekly), while personal income sits at the 37th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 32.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (7,016 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 61st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Mulgrave, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.2% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Mulgrave was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 39.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.9%) or rented (22.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Mulgrave's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.9% of all households, comprising 40.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications in Mulgrave trail regional benchmarks, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 45.8% in the SA3 area. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (15.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 110 active transport stops operating within Mulgrave, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 37 individual routes, collectively providing 5,427 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 201 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 30.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 775 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Mulgrave's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mulgrave, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,252 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.5% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 74.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,088 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Mulgrave is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mulgrave scores highly on cultural diversity, with 48.0% of its population born overseas and 53.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Mulgrave is Christianity, which makes up 52.4% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 8.1% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mulgrave are Other, comprising 16.8% of the population, Chinese, comprising 14.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%, and Australian, comprising 12.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 7.9% of Mulgrave (vs 2.7% regionally), Sri Lankan at 2.6% (vs 0.8%) and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Mulgrave's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Mulgrave is somewhat higher than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (7.5% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (12.6%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 13.3% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Mulgrave's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 831 people (30%) from 2,793 to 3,625. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 7% (72 people).