Mulgrave
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Mulgrave are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Mulgrave's population is approximately 21,303 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,414 people, a 7.1% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 19,889. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,981 in June 2024 and an additional 269 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,987 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mulgrave's growth rate positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.2% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 4,788 persons based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 21.0% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Mulgrave has recorded approximately 128 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25644 homes were approved, with a further 27 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.5 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and supporting population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $375,000. In FY-26, there have been $187.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Comparatively, Mulgrave has slightly more development than Greater Melbourne, with 18.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

The new building activity shows a shift towards higher-density housing, with 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on denser living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 83.0% houses. This shift may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for diverse, affordable housing options. Mulgrave reflects a transitioning market with around 219 people per approval. Looking ahead, Mulgrave is projected to grow by 4,466 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Mulgrave 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 14 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include HomeCo Brandon Park Redevelopment, Nexus Corporate Park, Collegium Avenue Townhouses, and 855-869 Ferntree Gully Road Townhouses, with the following list outlining those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Mulgrave demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mulgrave's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. As of June 2025, 11,418 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 61.0%, below Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Mulgrave specializes in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 8.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 1.2, indicating Mulgrave functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1%, labour force grew by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% with a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mulgrave's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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 financial year 2022 shows that Mulgrave has an income just above the national average. The median income is $52,100 and the average income stands at $66,919. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,435 (median) and $75,056 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census indicates that Mulgrave's household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,913 weekly), while personal income sits at the 38th percentile. Regarding income distribution, the largest segment comprises 32.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,987 residents), which is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. 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

The dwelling structure in Mulgrave, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.2% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Mulgrave was 39.2%, similar to Melbourne metro's rate. Mortgaged dwellings made up 37.9%, and rented dwellings accounted for 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mulgrave was $2,167, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. The median weekly rent figure in Mulgrave was $430, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, Mulgrave's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $430 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.9% of all households, including 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%, consisting of 17.6% lone person households and 3.5% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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

Mulgrave's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 45.8%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (15.0%).

Educational participation is 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. Mulgrave's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 4,191 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1046) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 3 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (19.7 places per 100 residents vs 15.8 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Mulgrave has 110 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 39 different routes that together facilitate 7,672 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Mulgrave is rated as good, with residents on average being located 201 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 1,096 trips per day, which equates to approximately 69 weekly trips per individual stop.

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. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~11,162 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 54.4%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.5 and 6.3% of residents respectively. A total of 74.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, comparable to the 75.3% across Greater Melbourne. Mulgrave has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,034 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 17.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 48.0% born overseas and 53.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mulgrave, comprising 52.4%. Buddhism, at 8.1%, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 7.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.8%), Chinese (14.2%), and Australian (12.7%). Notably, Greek (7.9%) Sri Lankan (2.6%) and Vietnamese (3.6%) ethnicities are more prevalent in Mulgrave than regionally.

Mulgrave's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Mulgrave's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Mulgrave at 7.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.1% of Mulgrave's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Mulgrave's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 851 people (31%), growing from 2,773 to 3,625. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is expected to grow modestly by 5% (50 people).