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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Oakleigh - Huntingdale's population is around 25,483 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,555 people (11.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,928 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,104 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 372 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,505 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oakleigh - Huntingdale's 11.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 90.9% 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 9,292 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 35.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Oakleigh - Huntingdale has recorded around 133 residential properties granted approval annually, with 669 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 147 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.3 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $378,000. There have also been $46.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Oakleigh - Huntingdale has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. New building activity shows 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 68.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 228 people per approval, Oakleigh - Huntingdale reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Oakleigh - Huntingdale is expected to grow by 8,913 residents through to 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.

Oakleigh - Huntingdale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 50 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Suburban Rail Loop East, Sandringham Line Service Improvements (Part of Metro Tunnel Network Upgrades), Summerset Oakleigh South, and VicTrack Land Release - Oakleigh Station, 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 of employment trends sees Oakleigh - Huntingdale performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Oakleigh - Huntingdale has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 4.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 15,331 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 35.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 7.9% of Oakleigh - Huntingdale's workforce compared to 9.7% in Greater Melbourne. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7% and labour force increased by 4.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with 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 Oakleigh - Huntingdale. 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 Oakleigh - Huntingdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Oakleigh - Huntingdale SA2 is well above average nationally, with the median assessed at $59,714 while the average income stands at $77,003. This contrasts to 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 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,640 (median) and $83,356 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Oakleigh - Huntingdale cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 32.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (8,180 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.9% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 63rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Oakleigh - Huntingdale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Oakleigh - Huntingdale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 68.3% houses and 31.8% 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 Oakleigh - Huntingdale was in line with that of Melbourne metro, at 32.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (33.9%). 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 $415, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Oakleigh - Huntingdale's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Oakleigh - Huntingdale features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 70.2% of all households, comprising 33.5% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 6.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 29.8% 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 26.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ - advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (13.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 151 active transport stops operating within Oakleigh - Huntingdale, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 36 individual routes, collectively providing 11,711 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A high 35.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,673 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 77 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 57% of the total population (~14,525 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.2% and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 74.1% 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 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,881 people), though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 44.3% of its population born overseas and 48.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Oakleigh - Huntingdale is Christianity, which makes up 49.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 1.0% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Oakleigh - Huntingdale are English, comprising 15.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 14.3% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 11.4% of Oakleigh - Huntingdale (vs 2.7% regionally), Sri Lankan at 1.3% (vs 0.8%) and Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

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

At 36 years, Oakleigh - Huntingdale's median age is nearly matching the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Oakleigh - Huntingdale has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (18.4%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (9.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Oakleigh - Huntingdale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 41%, adding 1,918 residents to reach 6,610.