Oakleigh East (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 Oakleigh East's population is estimated at around 7,281 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 477 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,804 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,274, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,534 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. the suburb of Oakleigh East's 7.0% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the state (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The local labor force shows high levels of formal qualifications, with strong representation in professional sectors, a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, and a 4.1% rise in employment over the past year. By March 2026, working residents numbered 4,439, with unemployment sitting 1.9% below the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%, while the participation rate is standard at 73.0% compared to 70.2% regionally. Census records show 32.6% of workers performed their duties from home, though pandemic lockdowns during this period should be noted.

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Tax data from FY 2023 indicates local median personal income is $54,537 and the average is $69,861, compared to Greater Melbourne averages of $57,688 and $75,164. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since FY 2023, estimated March 2026 incomes stand at $59,783 for the median and $76,582 for the average. The 2021 Census placed local incomes at the 57th percentile nationally, with the largest group of residents, 35.3% or 2,570 individuals, earning between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the 32.8% recorded across the wider region. Housing costs account for 16.6% of income, leaving disposable income at the st percentile and placing the area in the th SEIFA income decile.

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At the last Census, residential properties in the suburb of Oakleigh East consisted of 69.0% houses and 31.0% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 67.9% and 32.1% in Greater Melbourne. Home ownership was identical to the metropolitan average at 31.6%, with 32.2% of homes mortgaged and 36.1% occupied by tenants. Median monthly mortgage costs were $2,300, which is higher than the metropolitan median of $2,000 and the national median of $1,863. Weekly rents averaged $425, exceeding the Melbourne average of $390 and the Australian average of $375.

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Families make up 70.9% of households, consisting of 32.6% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 11.3% single parents. Single person households account for 20.3% of homes, and group households represent 9.0%, with non-family households totaling 29.1%. The average household size is 2.6 people, matching the metropolitan average.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of Oakleigh East are high, with 43.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are held by 26.6% of residents, postgraduate degrees by 14.5%, and graduate diplomas by 2.7%. Vocational qualifications are held by 23.1% of the adult population, consisting of 9.8% with advanced diplomas and 13.3% with certificates.

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The suburb of Oakleigh East contains 30 bus stops serviced by 19 routes, providing 2,746 passenger trips each week. Average distance to a transit stop is 192 meters. Commuting patterns show 81% of workers travel by car and 9% by train, with average vehicle ownership at 1.3 cars per home. A total of 32.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census.

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General health indicators are positive, with low rates of chronic illness and mortality compared to national averages, though rates are higher among older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is held by approximately 54% of residents, representing around 3,963 people, which is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 56.7%.

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Cultural diversity is high, with 48.7% of the population born outside Australia and 54.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the largest religion at 49.9% of the population, while Judaism is represented by 0.8% of residents compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 34 years in the suburb of Oakleigh East is younger than the Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. Young adults aged 25 to 34 represent 21.4% of the population, compared to 14.6% nationally, while children aged 5 to 14 represent 9.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the latest estimates, the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 13.0% to 14.8%, and the 25 to 34 group increased from 19.7% to 21.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.5% to 10.9%. Projections for estimate the to age group will grow by , adding residents to reach .

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Oakleigh East currently has an estimated 364 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 205 children aged 0-2 and 136 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 11% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 28% by 2041 (to approximately 465 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 548. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.4 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.