Mulgrave

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

Mulgrave's population is around 21,251 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,362 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,889. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,072 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 247 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,982 persons per square kilometer. Mulgrave's 6.8% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the state average (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 90.4% 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 is projected, with the area expected to expand by 4,422 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 20.0% in total over the 16 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-25644 homes were approved, with an additional 55 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.5 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during this period.

This pace of new construction has been matching or outpacing demand, providing buyers with more options and supporting population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $375,000. In FY-26, there have been $187.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mulgrave has had slightly more development activity, with 19.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This increased development maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

The new building activity shows a shift towards higher-density living, with 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% medium to high-density housing. This focus on diverse housing options creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 83.0% houses. Mulgrave reflects a transitioning market with around 219 people per approval. Looking ahead, Mulgrave is expected to grow by approximately 4,243 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 42ndth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence regional performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects 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 strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%. As of December 2025, 11,507 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 66.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A high 30.3% of residents worked from home, possibly due to Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Mulgrave had a strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, construction was under-represented at 8.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. There were 1.2 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating Mulgrave functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5% and labour force increased by 4.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mulgrave's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for 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 financial year 2023 shows that income in Mulgrave SA2 is approximately average nationally. The median assessed income is $55,918 and 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 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,297 (median) and $74,255 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,913 weekly), while personal income sits at the 37th percentile. The largest segment of income distribution comprises 32.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,970 residents). High housing costs consume 15.1% of income, placing disposable income at the 61st percentile and resulting in an area SEIFA income ranking of the 7th decile.

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

Mulgrave's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.2% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mulgrave stood at 39.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (37.9%) or rented (22.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure 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, while 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 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%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 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. 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

Mulgrave has 110 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by 37 different routes that together facilitate 5,427 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 201 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while trains are employed by 6%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional norm.

Notably, 30.3% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; this figure may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions). Daily service frequency averages 775 trips across all routes, 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 (~11,178 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (6.5%) and asthma (6.3%), while 74.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. Mulgrave has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.9% (4,012 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 48.0% of its population born overseas and 53.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mulgrave, making up 52.4% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is more prevalent in Mulgrave at 8.1%, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (16.8%), Chinese (14.2%), and Australian (12.7%). The Chinese representation is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Greek at 7.9% in Mulgrave versus 2.7% regionally, Sri Lankan at 2.6% versus 0.8%, and Hungarian at 0.5% versus 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 7.4%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.3% of Mulgrave's population, while 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 expand by 813 people (29%), growing from 2,779 to 3,593. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow modestly by 7%, an increase of 67 people.