Blackburn South (Vic.)

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The suburb of Blackburn South has an estimated population of 11,001 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by Districts. This figure represents an increase of 62 people (0.6%) from the 10,939 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The adjustment is derived from a resident population count of 10,986, which Districts estimated after reviewing the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and incorporating 42 newly validated addresses since the Census date. With a density ratio of 3,081 persons per square kilometer, the suburb falls into the upper quartile compared to other national locations evaluated by Districts. Overseas migration has been the main factor behind recent population growth, serving as the only significant source of increase during this period.

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The suburb of Blackburn South is home to a highly qualified workforce with substantial employment in professional sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and a 1.5% rise in jobs over the past year, according to Districts aggregated data. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 5,672, whereas the unemployment rate was 1.0 percentage points higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and participation in the labour market was slightly lower at 65.3% versus 70.2% regionally. Census records show a high rate of 39.6% of residents working from home, though this may reflect pandemic lockdown measures.

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Taxpayer statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicate that the suburb of Blackburn South has a exceptionally high income level compared to national averages. The median income for local taxpayers is $54,679, and the average income is $79,321, compared to Greater Melbourne figures of $57,688 and $75,164. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $59,939 for median income and $86,952 for average income. The 2021 Census placed household incomes at the 56th percentile ($1,861 weekly) and individual incomes at the 39th percentile. The largest group, comprising 28.8% of the local population (3,168 people), falls into the $1,500 - weekly bracket, which is close to the wider region where of households are in this range. Residents allocate of their income to housing costs, and strong overall earnings place disposable income at the th percentile, with a SEIFA income ranking in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the dwelling profile in the suburb of Blackburn South consisted of 75.7% detached houses and 24.3% other types of housing, including semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across Melbourne metro. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Blackburn South were considerably higher than the metropolitan average at 39.3%, with 35.9% of properties mortgaged and 24.8% occupied by tenants. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,251, which is above the metropolitan average of $2,000, and the median weekly rent was $410, compared to $390 metro-wide. Compared nationally, local mortgage commitments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families comprise 70.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 37.7%, couples without children at 22.0%, and single parents at 9.8%. The remaining 29.3% are non-family households, which include single person households at 26.1% and group homes at 3.3%. The median size of local households is 2.6 people, matching the average for Greater Melbourne.

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Residents in the suburb of Blackburn South have qualification rates that significantly exceed broader averages, with 42.6% of people aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge sector roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 11.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational education is held by 23.7% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificate qualifications at 12.6%.

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Public transport infrastructure includes 47 active bus stops in the suburb of Blackburn South. These stops accommodate 11 routes, which combine to support 1,916 passenger trips per week. Transport access is convenient, with residents living an average of 225 meters from a stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 84%, while trains account for 7%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 cars per home. A high proportion of 39.6% of residents worked from home at the time of the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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The suburb of Blackburn South displays positive health statistics based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illness. While common health conditions are infrequent among the general population, they exceed national averages within older, vulnerable cohorts. Private health insurance membership is high, covering approximately 58% of the local population, which equates to about 6,394 individuals.

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The suburb of Blackburn South exhibits high levels of cultural diversity, with 38.0% of residents born outside Australia and 37.6% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 44.0% of the population. Buddhism represents a notable local concentration at 5.4% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 42 years in the suburb of Blackburn South is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 years and the national median of 38 years. Residents aged 85 and over are highly represented at 4.2% of the population, whereas the 25 to 34 age bracket is smaller at 10.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 13.2% to 14.3% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 14.4% to 12.9%. Projections for 2041 suggest changing demographics for the suburb of Blackburn South. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 15% (an increase of 216 people), rising from to . Over- age groups will make up of total population growth, pointing to an ageing demographic. Conversely, declines are expected in the to and to age brackets.

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Blackburn South currently has an estimated 440 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 262 children aged 0-2 and 176 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 409 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,101. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.1 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.