Mooroolbark (Vic.)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic revisions for the surrounding region, alongside address checks completed by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Mooroolbark has an estimated residency of roughly 24,524 individuals as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,465 residents (6.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 23,059 individuals. This adjustment is calculated from a resident base of 24,307, calculated by Districts using the most recent ERP statistics from the ABS (June 2025) plus an extra 354 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population count represents a density of 1,961 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical value recorded across national locations by Districts. The 6.4% growth in the suburb of Mooroolbark since the 2021 census was greater than the SA3 area (3.5%), as well as the SA4 region, making it a regional leader in expansion. Population gains in the area were mostly driven by natural increase, which made up roughly of the total demographic growth over recent times.

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Mooroolbark possesses a qualified labor pool, with the building sector demonstrating notable representation, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and an estimated job growth rate of 0.9% over the past year, according to Districts aggregates of statistical sector information. As of March 2026, there are 13,064 residents in employment, while the unemployment rate sits 1.0% higher than the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%, and the participation rate is equivalent to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census records show a substantial 25.6% of residents performed their jobs from home, although this should be viewed in light of Covid-19 restrictions.

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The most recent postcode ATO statistics for the financial year 2023 compiled by Districts indicate that earnings in the suburb of Mooroolbark fall below national averages, with a median of $54,116 and an average of $64,722. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index expansion of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, contemporary valuations are calculated at approximately $59,322 (median) and $70,948 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census records, household, family, and individual incomes in Mooroolbark are positioned around the 61st percentile nationally. Income distributions show that 36.1% of the population (8,853 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the broader region where fall into this category. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain of their income for other living costs, and the area's SEIFA economic index places it in the th decile.

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The residential profile in Mooroolbark at the time of the latest Census was comprised of 95.4% separate houses and 4.6% other housing forms (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Melbourne metro distribution of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Mooroolbark was higher than the Melbourne metro average, standing at 32.3%, while the rest of the occupied homes were held with a mortgage (47.0%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly home loan repayment was identical to the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $400, compared to Melbourne metro figures of $2,000 and $390. Across the nation, mortgage costs in Mooroolbark exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also higher than the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 78.7%, consisting of 38.8% couples raising children, 26.1% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent households. The remaining 21.3% consists of non-family households, with single person residences at 19.2% and share houses accounting for 2.1% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The region displays educational disparities, with university graduation rates (23.5%) falling well below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This scenario presents both a hurdle and a chance for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest segment at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational and technical training are highly represented, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (26.3%).

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Analysis of public transit indicates 45 active transit stops are available in Mooroolbark, consisting of a mix of bus options. These transit stops are served by 19 distinct routes, which combine to offer 3,418 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is classified as moderate, with residents living an average of 423 meters from their closest stop. Being a major residential area, most workers travel outward for employment, and cars are the primary mode of travel at 92%. Dwellings have an average of 1.7 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A high 25.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 rules).

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Health indicators in Mooroolbark align closely with national averages, according to Districts evaluations of mortality figures and chronic illness rates, with common medical concerns being slightly more prevalent than average across both young and old age brackets, and the level of private health insurance coverage slightly exceeding that of the average SA2 region at approximately 52% of the population (~12,860 people). This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne.

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Mooroolbark displays a higher level of cultural diversity than average, with 22.1% of residents born in another country and 15.7% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 46.5% of local residents. The most noticeable statistical overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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Registering a median age of 37, Mooroolbark matches the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and remains close to the Australian median of 38 years. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 6.4% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 13.5%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.9% to 6.4% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort has expanded from 14.5% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age bracket has dropped from 14.6% to 13.5%. Projecting forward to demographic models indicate notable changes in Mooroolbark's age distribution. Leading these changes, the to cohort is projected to expand by ( people), growing from to . Meanwhile, both the to and to age brackets are expected to shrink.

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Mooroolbark currently has an estimated 1,594 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 941 children aged 0-2 and 627 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 1,528 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,491. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally.