Blackburn (Vic.)

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Based on demographic evaluations of ABS figures for the surrounding region combined with new address validations by Districts since the Census, Blackburn's current population is estimated to be approximately 16,067 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,589 people (11.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 14,478 people. This shift is calculated from a resident base of 15,985, which was estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus an additional 537 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the density stands at 2,723 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of all Australian areas assessed by Districts. The suburb of Blackburn's 11.0% growth rate since the 2021 census outpaced both the broader SA4 region (8.9%) and the state, establishing it as a regional growth leader. This population rise was largely propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 96.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

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Blackburn features a highly educated workforce with a significant proportion of professionals, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and an estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the prior year, according to Districts' compiled statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 9,037 residents in employment, while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and the workforce participation rate aligns closely with Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census data indicates that a high 46.5% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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According to Districts' compilation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Blackburn recorded a median taxpayer income of $57,251 and an average taxpayer income of $83,123. These figures are exceptionally high on a national scale and compare to median and average levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne, respectively. Applying a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% since financial year 2023 yields current estimates of approximately $62,759 (median) and $91,119 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes in Blackburn sit around the 70th percentile nationally. Income distribution figures show that 28.8% of the population (4,627 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - range, which is similar to the broader region where of people are in this bracket. Financial strength is highlighted by the of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding which supports strong local retail spending. Housing costs represent of income, and solid earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable income, with the area's SEIFA income measure falling in the th decile.

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The mix of housing in Blackburn at the time of the latest Census consisted of 66.0% houses and 34.0% other dwelling types, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative residences, compared to the Melbourne metro split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Blackburn stood at 40.4%, which was significantly higher than the Melbourne metro average, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (33.2%) or rented (26.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was recorded at $2,208, which is considerably higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent stood at $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. On a national scale, Blackburn's mortgage payments are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents also exceed the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 69.1%, which consists of couples with children at 33.9%, couples without children at 25.5%, and single parent families at 8.7%. The remaining 30.9% are non-family households, with single person households accounting for 27.2% and group shared housing making up 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The level of education in Blackburn is significantly higher than broader national and state averages, with 50.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based career paths. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 30.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (14.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational training makes up 20.8% of qualifications for those aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (10.7%).

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An analysis of public transit shows 85 active transit stops operating in Blackburn, consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 21 separate routes, which combine to provide 6,973 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is rated as outstanding, with residents living an average of 179 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the suburb's residential nature, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 78%, while 13% of commuters use trains. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per home. A high 46.5% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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An evaluation of health indicators demonstrates positive outcomes throughout Blackburn, based on Districts' study of mortality trends and the low prevalence of chronic medical conditions across all age categories, while the level of private health insurance is remarkably high, covering approximately 60% of the total population (9,577 people). This is higher than the Greater Melbourne rate of 56.7%.

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Blackburn exhibits higher levels of cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 33.4% of the population born outside of Australia and 28.7% speaking a language other than English in the home. The primary religious affiliation in Blackburn is Christianity, accounting for 42.2% of residents. However, the most pronounced difference in religious representation is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 3.6% of the local population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age in Blackburn is 41 years, which is notably higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and older than the national median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, the 55 - 64 age bracket has a higher representation (12.5% locally), while young adults aged 25 - 34 are less represented (12.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has risen from 13.3% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.9% to 10.0%. Demographic models project significant shifts in Blackburn's age structure by 2041. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to experience the fastest growth at , adding residents to total . This aging trend is further reflected by the fact that residents aged and older account for of the projected population increase. In contrast, population declines are forecast for the to and to age cohorts.

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Blackburn currently has an estimated 594 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 387 children aged 0-2 and 258 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 5% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 584 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,383. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.