Eltham (Vic.)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Eltham (Vic.)'s population is estimated at around 19,116 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 269 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,847 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,102, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 136 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,150 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by Districts. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Eltham features a well-educated labor pool with a notable presence in professional services, an unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the previous year, according to data aggregated by Districts from statistical area sources. As of March 2026, 11,254 residents are employed while the local unemployment rate stands 2.6% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation rates remain broadly comparable to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census data indicates that a substantial 41.4% of residents work from home, although the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to tax data aggregated from postcode statistics for the 2023 financial year, Eltham taxpayers recorded a median income of $59,249 and an average income of $82,655, placing the area among the top earning brackets nationwide compared to the respective Greater Melbourne values of $57,688 and $75,164. Adjusting these figures for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year yields estimated current figures of approximately $64,949 for the median and $90,606 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are all highly positioned, falling between the 75th and 87th percentiles on a national scale. The most common weekly household income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, accounting for of households (representing residents), which is slightly below the regional benchmark of in the same category. Higher-income earners make up a substantial portion of the community, with of households earning more than weekly, pointing to robust consumer spending power. Furthermore, residents retain of their income after meeting mortgage or rent obligations, and the area is situated in the th decile for the SEIFA index of relative advantage.

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At the time of the most recent Census, the local housing mix consisted of 85.9% standalone houses and 14.1% multi-unit dwellings like townhouses and apartments, in contrast to the metropolitan Melbourne footprint of 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative dwellings. Home ownership rates in Eltham significantly outpaced the metropolitan average, sitting at 43.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 44.8% and rental properties accounting for 12.1% of homes. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was recorded at $2,250, while weekly rent was documented at $440, both tracking well ahead of the Melbourne metropolitan medians of $2,000 and $390. On a national level, local mortgage payments remain far higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are similarly elevated above the national median of $375.

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Domestic arrangements are heavily centered on families, which constitute 81.4% of households, consisting of 42.7% couples raising children, 27.9% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent households. Single-person households account for 17.7% of the area, and shared housing arrangements make up 0.9%, bringing the remaining non-family household share to 18.6%. The typical household size stands at 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The local area exhibits a highly prominent educational profile, with university completion rates reaching 40.2% among residents aged 15 and over, which is higher than the national rate of 30.4% and the broader SA4 regional average of 32.8%. Undergraduate degrees are the most common qualification at 25.0%, while postgraduate qualifications make up 10.1% and graduate diplomas represent 5.1%. Vocational and practical skills are also heavily represented, with 29.1% of the population aged 15 and over holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 17.2%.

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Public transport connectivity is supported by 54 active transit stops in Eltham, serviced by 10 bus routes that facilitate 6,727 passenger journeys weekly. Transit access is favorable, with the typical resident residing 372 meters from the nearest stop. The area functions primarily as a residential commuter zone, with most workers traveling outside the area: private vehicles remain the primary mode of travel at 90%, while 5% of residents commute by train. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars, which is higher than the regional average. A high proportion of residents, specifically 41.4%, work from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during pandemic conditions.

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Public health records indicate exceptional wellness outcomes throughout Eltham, characterized by very low rates of chronic diseases and mortality across all demographics, coupled with a private health insurance rate of roughly 59% of the population (representing 11,360 people) compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 56.7%.

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Eltham displays cultural diversity metrics that align closely with regional averages, with 81.0% of the population born locally, 91.9% holding citizenship, and 89.2% using only English in their households. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, claimed by 43.0% of the local population. The most distinct religious divergence is seen in Judaism, which represents 0.2% of the local population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of Eltham is 43, which is older than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 (13.0%), whereas the 25 - 34 age bracket is smaller (6.4%) than the metropolitan average. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 5.3% to 7.6%, and the 15 to 24 demographic has increased from 12.5% to 14.3%, while the 25 to 34 age bracket has dropped from 8.0% to 6.4%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic models project significant shifts in the age makeup of the suburb of Eltham (Vic.). The population aged to is anticipated to expand by people () to grow from to . Residents aged and older are expected to make up of the net population growth, emphasizing the local aging trend, while the cohorts aged to and to are projected to shrink.

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Eltham currently has an estimated 860 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 502 children aged 0-2 and 334 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 844 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,953. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.