Mulgrave (Vic.)

Detail

According to investigations of demographic releases from the ABS for the surrounding region, alongside verification of fresh addresses conducted by Districts subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Mulgrave (Vic.) is estimated to have a population of approximately 21,251 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,362 people (6.8%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 19,889 residents. The variation is calculated from a local population of 21,072, calculated by Districts based on the latest ABS ERP figures from June 2025 coupled with 247 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population level translates to a density of 1,980 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical density found across standard national locations tracked by Districts. The 6.8% increase in the suburb of Mulgrave (Vic.) post-census is within 2.5 percentage points of the broader state rate (9.3%), indicating solid underlying growth dynamics. Growth in the suburb of Mulgrave (Vic.) was largely fueled by net migration from abroad, which accounted for roughly of the total demographic expansion over recent times.

Detail

Mulgrave is home to a highly qualified labor force, featuring a strong concentration of professional service workers, a jobless rate of only 2.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 4.5% over the prior year, according to localized area statistics compiled by Districts. As of March 2026, there are 11,576 employed local residents, and the unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%, while the labor participation rate is slightly below average (67.5% in comparison to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne). Census figures indicate that a significant 30.3% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures.

Detail

Taxpayer income levels in Mulgrave are roughly in line with the national average, according to localized ATO statistics aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median tax-return income in the area is $52,100, while the average taxpayer income is $66,919, which compares to Greater Melbourne statistics of $57,688 for the median and $75,164 for the average. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current equivalent values would be approximately $57,112 (median) and $73,357 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census, household income sits at the 60th percentile ($1,913 per week), while individual income is placed at the 38th percentile. Looking at income brackets, the largest segment includes 32.8% of the local population (6,970 people) who earn between $1,500 and matching the wider metropolitan rate of in the same bracket. After meeting housing costs, residents retain of their income for other living expenses, and the area's SEIFA socio-economic ranking for income is in the th decile.

Detail

Residential property types in Mulgrave, as recorded during the most recent Census, consisted of 83.2% free-standing houses and 16.9% alternative housing forms (such as townhouses, units, and apartments), compared to Melbourne metro averages of 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative types. The proportion of residents who own their homes outright or have paid them off was significantly higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average at 39.2%, while the remaining properties were either under a mortgage (37.9%) or rented (22.9%). The median monthly home loan payment was higher than the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $430, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $2,000 and $390 respectively. On a national level, mortgage commitments in Mulgrave are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and typical rent costs are also well above the countrywide figure of $375.

Detail

Families make up the vast majority of households at 78.9%, consisting of 40.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.1% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 21.1%, with single-person households representing 17.6% and share houses comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.8 persons is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational attainment levels in Mulgrave are lower than the regional benchmarks, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 45.8% across the broader SA3 region. This difference indicates room for future academic and professional training gains. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (10.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational and technical training is widely represented, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificate-level credentials (15.0%).

Detail

Public transit data shows that there are 110 active transit stops in operation within Mulgrave, which consist of a network of bus stops. These stops are serviced by 37 distinct routes, which combine to support 5,427 passenger journeys on a weekly basis. Transit access is classified as good, with local residents living an average of 201 meters away from their closest stop. Because the area is largely residential, the majority of workers travel outward for employment, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 88%, while 6% commute via train. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles, which is higher than the wider regional average. A high 30.3% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be reflective of pandemic conditions.

Detail

An evaluation of health indicators shows positive outcomes throughout Mulgrave, based on Districts assessments of mortality patterns and chronic illness prevalence, showing low rates of common illnesses across all age cohorts, while the proportion of the population with private health insurance is slightly higher than the average SA2 region at roughly 53% of the population (~11,324 people). This compares to a rate of 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

Mulgrave exhibits a high degree of cultural variety, with 48.0% of its residents born outside of Australia and 53.2% using a language other than English when at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 52.4% of the local population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Buddhism, which is practiced by 8.1% of residents, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

With a median age of 40, Mulgrave is slightly older than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and marginally older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne baseline, the 75 - 84 age bracket is noticeably over-represented at 7.5% of the local population, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are under-represented at 13.4%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age segment has increased its share from 11.0% to 13.2% of the local population. In contrast, the 65 to 74 demographic has decreased from 9.9% to 8.7%. Demographic projections indicate that Mulgrave's age distribution will transform by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort is expected to grow significantly, increasing by people () from to . Over the same timeframe, the to age group is projected to rise by a modest ( people).

Detail

Mulgrave currently has an estimated 1,020 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 595 children aged 0-2 and 397 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 1,085 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,957. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.