Oak Park

Oak Park lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Oak Park's population is around 8,533 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 635 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,898 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,488 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,631 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Oak Park has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.7% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 73.5% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 4,160 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 48.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Oak Park has seen around 74 new homes approved each year, with 371 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 50 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $315,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Oak Park records somewhat elevated construction (37.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity consists of 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 53.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 167 people per dwelling approval, Oak Park shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Oak Park adding 4,115 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Oak Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include M-City 2 - Oak Park, Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre Redevelopment, 299 Pascoe Vale Road Mixed-Use Development, and Glenroy Structure Plan, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Oak Park significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Oak Park has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,317 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 40.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 5.1% of Oak Park's workforce compared to 7.2% in Greater Melbourne. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 0.3%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and 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 Oak Park. 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 Oak Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Oak Park SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $59,292 and an average of $68,740 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is slightly above average nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,184 (median) and $74,411 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Oak Park, between the 78th and 79th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 34.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,901 residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.8% in the same category. Economic strength emerges through 33.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.6% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 79th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Oak Park displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Oak Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 53.2% houses and 46.8% 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 Oak Park was slightly lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 29.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.4%) or rented (33.4%). 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 $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Oak Park's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Oak Park features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.2% of all households, comprising 31.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 5.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Oak Park shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Oak Park significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.7% in the SA4 region and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (14.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 6.7% in tertiary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Oak Park, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 2,067 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 227 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 74%, with 18% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 40.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 295 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Oak Park's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Oak Park, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very 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 (~4,548 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.5 and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 74.2% 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 13.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,140 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Oak Park was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Oak Park scores highly on cultural diversity, with 36.6% of its population born overseas and 35.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Oak Park is Christianity, which makes up 44.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 7.6% of the population, compared to 4.4% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Oak Park are English, comprising 18.0% of the population, Other, comprising 17.2% of the population, and Australian, comprising 17.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 8.9% of Oak Park (vs 5.2% regionally), Maltese at 1.5% (vs 1.1%) and Sri Lankan at 0.8% (vs 0.8%).

Oak Park's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Oak Park's median age nearly matches the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Oak Park has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (19.1%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (10.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 6.1% to 7.4% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 19.4% to 18.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Oak Park's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 82%, adding 877 residents to reach 1,954.