Cheltenham (Vic.)

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Based on demographic assessments of ABS regional updates and newly confirmed residential addresses by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Cheltenham (Vic.) has an estimated population of 26,278 as of May 2026. This represents a 9.5% expansion, or an additional 2,286 people, compared to the 23,992 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. This adjustment is based on a resident count of 26,202 established by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 503 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Consequently, the local density stands at 2,497 persons per square kilometer, which ranks in the top quarter of Australian locations analyzed by Districts. The 9.5% rate of growth in the suburb of Cheltenham (Vic.) since the 2021 census outpaced both the broader SA4 territory's 8.0% growth and the state average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the overall population rise in recent times.

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Cheltenham features a highly educated labor force with a substantial share of workers employed in professional fields, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and relatively stable employment over the past year, according to Districts' regional analysis. By March 2026, the employed population numbered 13,937 residents, with an unemployment rate that is 0.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. The labor force participation rate stands slightly lower than the metropolitan benchmark, sitting at 68.1% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne. According to Census data, a notable 39.3% of the working population performed their duties from home, though this figure was likely influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.

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The latest postcode-level figures from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in Cheltenham are exceptionally high by national standards, with a median of $60,012 and an average of $77,720. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Factoring in a 9.62% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at roughly $65,785 for the median and $85,197 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes in Cheltenham generally sit around the 65th percentile nationally. The distribution shows that the weekly income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 29.0% of the population, which equals 7,620 individuals, matching the wider regional trend of in this category. High housing expenses account for of total earnings, yet strong wages keep disposable income levels at the th percentile, placing the area in the th decile of the SEIFA index.

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According to the latest Census, residential structures in Cheltenham consisted of 58.4% detached houses and 41.6% semi-detached properties, townhouses, and apartments, compared to Greater Melbourne's split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was higher than the metropolitan average at 33.8%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged at 38.3% or rented at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Greater Melbourne average at $2,200, and the median weekly rent was $430, compared to metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, mortgage costs in Cheltenham are significantly above the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up 68.5% of all households, with couples with children representing 32.8%, couples without children representing 23.7%, and single parents representing 10.9%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.5%, with single-person households at 28.9% and group households at 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The educational profile of the area is distinct, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, exceeding the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Technical and trade qualifications are also common, with 28.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 16.2%.

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Analysis of transport options shows 134 active transit stops in Cheltenham, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 27 separate routes, which support 6,161 passenger journeys weekly. Transport access is rated as high, with residents living an average of 195 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode of transport at 84%, followed by trains at 7%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.2 cars per household. A high proportion of residents, 39.3%, work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Cheltenham displays positive health trends based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses, with a low prevalence of common conditions in the general population, though rates are higher than the national average among older, vulnerable groups. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is high, covering approximately 58% of the population, which equates to about 15,109 people.

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Cheltenham exhibits higher cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 31.3% of residents born outside Australia and 25.1% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 46.1% of the population. The most distinct religious concentration is Judaism, which accounts for 1.5% of residents, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of residents is 40, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and slightly above the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 age bracket is overrepresented at 7.1% compared to the metropolitan average, while 25 - 34 year-olds are underrepresented at 11.1%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 10.2% to 11.2% of the population, while the 25 to 34 age bracket decreased from 12.6% to 11.1%. Projections suggest Cheltenham's age distribution will change by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 28%, adding people to increase from to while the to cohort is expected to grow by , adding children.

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Cheltenham currently has an estimated 1,497 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 880 children aged 0-2 and 585 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 1,517 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,351. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.