Oakleigh - Huntingdale

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

Oakleigh - Huntingdale's population is approximately 25,189 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 2,261 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,928. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 25,104 in June 2024 and an additional 372 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,476 persons per square kilometer, placing Oakleigh - Huntingdale in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 9.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state averages, indicating strong population growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.9% of overall population gains during recent periods in Oakleigh - Huntingdale.

AreaSearch is using 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 utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted 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 based on these aggregations. Future population dynamics anticipate significant growth in Oakleigh - Huntingdale, with an expected increase of 9,292 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 36.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Oakleigh - Huntingdale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Oakleigh-Huntingdale has recorded approximately 133 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25669 homes were approved, with another 137 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over these five years attracted an average of 2.3 new residents per year.

The expected construction cost value for new homes is around $378,000. This financial year has seen $46.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Oakleigh-Huntingdale maintains similar development levels per person, reflecting market balance consistent with the broader area. The current building activity shows 40% detached dwellings and 60% medium and high-density housing, shifting from the existing housing composition of 68% houses. This transition reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 228 people per approval, Oakleigh-Huntingdale reflects a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 9,207 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Oakleigh - Huntingdale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 51 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones include Suburban Rail Loop East, Sandringham Line Service Improvements (part of Metro Tunnel Network Upgrades), Summerset Oakleigh South, and VicTrack Land Release - Oakleigh Station. 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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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Oakleigh - Huntingdale performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Oakleigh - Huntingdale has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Unemployment stood at 2.4% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.0%.

As of September 2025, 15,189 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne at 66.2%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training, with the latter being particularly strong at 1.2 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented at 7.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0%, while the labour force grew by 5.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.3%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a slight increase in unemployment to 4.7%. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to 25-November 2025, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, and employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oakleigh - Huntingdale's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Oakleigh - Huntingdale SA2 has an above national average income. The median income is $55,798 and the average income stands at $71,476. In contrast, Greater Melbourne has 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, the current estimates for Oakleigh - Huntingdale are approximately $62,583 (median) and $80,167 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reveals that incomes in Oakleigh - Huntingdale cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the largest segment comprises 32.1% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (8,085 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.9% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 63rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Oakleigh - Huntingdale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Oakleigh - Huntingdale, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.3% houses and 31.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's figures of 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakleigh - Huntingdale was at 32.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.0% and rented dwellings at 33.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $415, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, Oakleigh - Huntingdale's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 70.2% of all households, including 33.5% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 6.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

Oakleigh - Huntingdale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Oakleigh-Huntingdale is notably high, with 42.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the SA4 regional average of 29.8% and the national average of 30.4%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its strong representation across various qualification levels: Bachelor degrees at 26.4%, postgraduate qualifications at 13.3%, and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Vocational pathways are also well-represented, with advanced diplomas accounting for 10.4% and certificates for 13.1% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and above.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Analysis shows 151 active transport stops operating in Oakleigh-Huntingdale area, consisting of train and bus services. These stops are served by 33 individual routes, collectively facilitating 15,742 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 2,248 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 104 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Oakleigh - Huntingdale is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Oakleigh-Huntingdale shows better-than-average health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions among its general population.

However, older and at-risk cohorts have higher rates than the national average. Private health cover is very high here, at approximately 55% (around 13,929 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.2% of residents respectively. About 74.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 75.3% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 14.9% (3,745 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 17.5% in Greater Melbourne.

Oakleigh - Huntingdale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Oakleigh-Huntingdale has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.3% of its population born overseas and 48.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Oakleigh-Huntingdale, comprising 49.2% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 1.0% of Oakleigh-Huntingdale's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (15.0%), Australian (14.3%), and Other (13.0%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Greek is overrepresented at 11.4%, Sri Lankan is underrepresented at 1.3%, and Russian is slightly overrepresented at 0.6%.

Oakleigh - Huntingdale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Oakleigh-Huntingdale has a median age of 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Oakleigh-Huntingdale has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.6% to 14.7%, while the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, Oakleigh-Huntingdale's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 41%, adding 1,912 residents and reaching a total of 6,610 residents.