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, as of August 2025, is approximately 21,305 people. This figure represents an increase of 1,416 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,889 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,981 in June 2024 and an additional 270 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,987 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mulgrave's growth rate of 7.1% since the census is within 1.5 percentage points of the national average (8.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. The primary driver for population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 91.2% 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using 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. Based on these projections, an above median population growth is anticipated for statistical areas across the nation. Mulgrave is expected to expand by 4,788 persons to 2041, recording a total gain of 20.9% 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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 644 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 17 so far in FY-26. On average, 0.5 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed over these five years. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth beyond projections.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $662,000, which is moderately above regional levels and indicates an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26 alone, $187.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mulgrave has slightly more development, with 18.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. New development consists of 36.0% detached dwellings and 64.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 83.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The location has approximately 219 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts suggest Mulgrave will gain 4,464 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as the population increases.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Nexus Corporate Park, Brandon Park Shopping Centre Redevelopment, 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.

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

Mulgrave has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 4.1%. As of June 2025, Mulgrave has 11,418 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% below Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation is 61.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

Mulgrave specializes in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Construction is under-represented at 8.4% of its workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.2 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1% while labour force increased by 4.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 ended June 2022 shows median income in Mulgrave was $52,100 and average income was $66,919. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $54,892 and average income was $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% from financial year ended June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates for Mulgrave are approximately $57,367 (median) and $73,685 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,913 weekly), while personal income is at the 38th percentile. Distribution data shows that 32.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. 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 Mulgrave's dwelling structures as 83.2% houses and 16.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mulgrave was 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mulgrave was $2,167, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. Median weekly rent 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 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, including 40.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for 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 2.7.

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 45.8% in the SA3 area. This 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%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 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 five schools have a combined enrollment of 4,191 students as of the latest data available. The ICSEA score for Mulgrave is 1046, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced, with three primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (19.7 places per 100 residents vs 15.8 regionally), suggesting 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. Residents have good access to these services, with an average distance of 201 meters to the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are approximately 1,096 trips across all routes, which works out to about 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 have low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~11,163 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but 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 declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 75.3%. Mulgrave has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,035 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 consists of 48.0% born overseas and 53.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 52.4%. Buddhism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, at 8.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.8%), Chinese (14.2%, lower than the regional average of 21.4%), and Australian (12.7%). Notable divergences include Greek (7.9% vs regional 5.6%), Sri Lankan (2.6% vs 2.1%), and Vietnamese (3.6% vs 1.9%).

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. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mulgrave has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort at 7.3% and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group at 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 13.1% of Mulgrave's population, while the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic modelling suggests significant changes in Mulgrave's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 31%, from 2,773 to 3,625 people. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 5% (50 people).