Mulgrave

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

Mulgrave's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 21,392. This figure represents an increase of 1,503 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,889. The growth from June 2024's estimated resident population of 20,981 and additional validated new addresses is inferred to be around 210. This results in a population density ratio of 1,995 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mulgrave's growth rate of 7.6% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the national average of 9.9%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting through weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for statistical areas nationally, with Mulgrave expected to expand by 4,788 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 20.5% over the 17 years.

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-25, a total of 644 homes were approved, with an additional 40 approved in FY-26 so far. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years is 0.5.

New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average expected construction cost value for new properties is $375,000. In FY-26 alone, there have been $187.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mulgrave has slightly more development activity, at 18.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity shows 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This shift represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition of 83.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Mulgrave reflects a transitioning market with around 219 people per approval. Looking ahead, Mulgrave is expected to grow by 4,377 residents through to 2041, according to 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include HomeCo Brandon Park Redevelopment, Nexus Corporate Park, Collegium Avenue Townhouses, and 855-869 Ferntree Gully Road Townhouses. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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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. The unemployment rate in Mulgrave was 2.6% as of September 2025, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.6%.

As of September 2025, there were 11,402 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Mulgrave was 66.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 30.3% of residents worked from home. Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered when interpreting this figure.

Leading employment industries among Mulgrave residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Manufacturing showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while construction was under-represented at 8.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. There were 1.2 workers for every resident in Mulgrave as at the Census, indicating that it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6% and labour force increased by 4.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Mulgrave's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

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

Mulgrave SA2 had an average income of $67,739 and median income of $55,918 during financial year 2023. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's average income of $75,164 and median income of $57,688 in the same period. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimated incomes would be approximately $73,327 on average and $60,531 at median. According to the 2021 Census, Mulgrave's household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,913 weekly) and personal income at the 37th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 32.8% earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (7,016 residents), similar to the surrounding region. Housing costs consume 15.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile. Mulgrave'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 latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Mulgrave as 83.2% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mulgrave stood at 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Mulgrave was $430, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Mulgrave's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.9% of all households, consisting of 40.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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

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 indicates 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 notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, 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

A total of 110 active public transport stops operate within Mulgrave. These are served by a mix of buses along 37 individual routes, collectively facilitating 5,427 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 201 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 88%, while 6% use the train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 30.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 775 trips per day, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~11,252 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but trailing Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.5%) and asthma (6.3%), with 74.3% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Mulgrave has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,088 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with national rankings.

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 consists of 48.0% born overseas, with 53.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mulgrave, comprising 52.4%. Buddhism is notably higher at 8.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' comprises 16.8%, Chinese 14.2% (higher than the regional average of 6.5%), and Australian 12.7% (lower than the regional average of 18.4%). Other ethnic groups with notable representation include Greek at 7.9% (vs regional 2.7%), Sri Lankan at 2.6% (vs regional 0.8%), and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs regional 0.3%).

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 7.5%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.3% of Mulgrave's population. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 9.9% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Mulgrave's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 831 people (30%), increasing from 2,793 to 3,625. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow modestly by 7% (72 people).