Bentleigh East (Vic.)

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According to ABS demographic data and recent residential additions verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Bentleigh East has a residency count estimated at 32,378 in May 2026. This represents a gain of 2,219 residents (7.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the count was 30,159 people. This shift is calculated from a base of 32,280 residents, estimated by Districts using the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS alongside 358 validated new addresses registered post-Census. Such population size indicates a density of 3,593 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the highest quartile among Australian regions evaluated by Districts. Throughout the last ten years, the suburb of Bentleigh East has shown stable upward movement with a 1.4% compound annual growth rate, ahead of the wider SA3. This growth was mostly driven by net overseas migration, which made up approximately 79.0% of the population gains in recent times.

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The local community features a highly qualified labor force, with strong representation in professional roles, and an unemployment rate of 4.6% according to statistical area data aggregated by Districts. In March 2026, 17,460 residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%. The labor participation rate was generally consistent with the Greater Melbourne figure of 70.2%. Census records show a high proportion of employed residents working from home at 41.1%, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions.

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Tax data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year indicates that the personal income profile in this locality ranks very high on a national scale. The median taxable income of residents is $60,445, and the average taxable income is $81,097, compared to Greater Melbourne figures of $57,688 and $75,164. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values are approximately $66,260 for the median and $88,899 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, placing in the 71st to 79th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket contains 28.6% of residents (9,260 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the regional trend where of the population falls into this category. High earners comprise a notable share, with of households earning more than per week, indicating substantial local spending power. Elevated housing costs account for of incomes, but strong overall earnings ensure disposable income ranks in the th percentile, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the th decile.

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At the time of the last Census, the residential landscape was composed of 69.2% detached houses and 30.8% alternative dwellings, such as semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to metro Melbourne where houses made up 67.9% and other options accounted for 32.1%. Home ownership rates were higher than the metropolitan average at 35.4%, with mortgaged properties representing 40.1% and rental housing making up 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,500, and the median weekly rent was $500, compared to metro Melbourne medians of $2,000 and $390. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and typical rents are above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of local households at 77.2%, consisting of couples with children at 42.2%, couples without children at 22.2%, and single-parent households at 11.6%. The remaining 22.8% of homes are non-family households, with single-person households representing 20.6% and shared group households making up 2.2%. The median size of local households is 2.7 individuals, which is slightly larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational qualifications in the area are significantly higher than broader benchmarks, with 41.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally. This educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 27.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 10.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Vocational and technical training is also well represented, with 25.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding a qualification, including 11.3% with advanced diplomas and 14.3% with certificates.

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Analysis of local transit reveals 145 active passenger stops in the area, consisting of bus services. These stops support 15 separate bus routes, providing 2,632 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 173 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 86%, while train travel accounts for 7%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.4 cars per home. A high percentage of residents, 41.1%, worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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Health indicators in the area show positive outcomes based on Districts assessments of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with younger demographics showing a very low occurrence of common health issues. The rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 59% of the population (19,044 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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The locality displays notable cultural diversity, with 36.3% of the resident population born overseas and 35.0% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 43.9% of residents. A significant demographic feature is the presence of Judaism, which accounts for 10.1% of the population, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.

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The median age of residents is 40 years, slightly higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national median of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, there is a higher concentration of residents in the 45 - 54 age bracket (15.3% locally) and a lower representation of the 25 - 34 demographic (9.9%). Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age cohort has increased from 11.6% to 13.4% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.7% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling indicates the age profile will shift by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by people (), increasing from to .

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Bentleigh East currently has an estimated 1,586 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 948 children aged 0-2 and 631 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 8% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 1,773 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 3,538. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.