Bentleigh (Vic.)

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Based on study of ABS demographic updates for the broader region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Bentleigh has a population estimated at around 19,277 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 1,356 people (7.6%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 17,921 people. The variance is calculated from the resident population of 19,243, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 208 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,092 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by Districts, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Over the past decade, the suburb of Bentleigh has shown stable growth patterns with a 1.4% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The local workforce is highly educated, featuring strong representation in professional services, a jobless rate of just 3.6%, and steady employment levels over the prior year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 11,008 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 45.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Bentleigh's income level is among the highest in Australia according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Bentleigh's median income among taxpayers is $62,714 and the average income stands at $87,559, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,747 (median) and $95,982 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Bentleigh, between the 77th and 81st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 27.7% of the population (5,339 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - income range, mirroring the region where occupy this bracket. A significant earn above weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Residential structures in Bentleigh at the time of the latest Census consisted of 59.9% houses and 40.2% alternative housing types, such as townhouses, apartments, or other dwellings, whereas the Melbourne metro area recorded 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative types. At the same time, owner-occupancy in Bentleigh was significantly higher than the Melbourne metro level, standing at 34.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (36.3%) or rented (29.0%). Typical monthly mortgage payments in the locality were significantly higher than the Melbourne metro median at $2,500, and the typical weekly rent was recorded at $480, compared to Melbourne metro figures of $2,000 and $390. Across the nation, mortgage repayments in Bentleigh are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 72.8%, which includes 37.3% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.2%, with single-person households representing 23.9% and group living situations making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 residents, matching the Greater Melbourne average.

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Academic credentials in Bentleigh are substantially higher than broader reference levels, with 47.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationwide and 33.4% in VIC. This strong educational profile positions the locality well for knowledge-driven sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 30.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational streams represent 23.0% of qualifications among residents aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (11.7%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 60 active transport stops operating within Bentleigh comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 3,224 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 195 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 12% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A high 45.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health metric evaluations show exceptional outcomes in Bentleigh, according to an Districts analysis of mortality rates and chronic health conditions. There is a low prevalence of common medical conditions across all age cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (11,824 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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Bentleigh scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 31.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. The main religion in Bentleigh was found to be Christianity, which makes up 42.5% of people in Bentleigh. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 6.4% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.

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The 39-year median age in Bentleigh is somewhat higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 similarly very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (12.7% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (11.9%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Bentleigh. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by ( people), reaching from .

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Bentleigh currently has an estimated 867 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 474 children aged 0-2 and 316 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 3% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 980 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,968. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.