Botanic Ridge

Botanic Ridge lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of May 2026, the population of Botanic Ridge is estimated at around 7,326, reflecting an increase of 587 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,739. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,124 based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 158 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,189 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Botanic Ridge has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with Botanic Ridge expected to expand by 1,263 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.5% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Botanic Ridge was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Botanic Ridge experienced around 88 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 443 homes. As of FY-26, 81 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 was 4.5 people, suggesting demand significantly outpaces supply. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $372,000.

In FY-26, there have been $17.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Botanic Ridge records 11.0% less building activity per person but places among the 84th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity comprises 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 116 people per dwelling approval, Botanic Ridge shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections estimate Botanic Ridge adding 1,061 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Botanic Ridge has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Cranbourne West Precinct Structure Plan, Brompton Estate, Botanic Ridge Secondary College, and Brompton Lodge Precinct Structure Plan. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Botanic Ridge rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Botanic Ridge has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate is 0.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,905 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 4.0%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Botanic Ridge lags behind Greater Melbourne, with a rate of 63.2% compared to the region's 69.9%. Census responses indicate that 22.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Botanic Ridge shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level, while professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 13.4%, accompanied by a 13.3% decrease in employment, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Botanic Ridge's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Botanic Ridge was $61,127 and average income was $68,646. In Greater Melbourne, median income was $57,688 and average income was $75,164. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $67,007 and average income $75,250, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%. Botanic Ridge's incomes rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 91st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort is 44.5% (3,260 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends. High earners make up 36.4%, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 90th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Botanic Ridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Botanic Ridge's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Botanic Ridge was at 17.0%, with the rest either mortgaged (70.6%) or rented (12.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was recorded at $404, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Botanic Ridge's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Botanic Ridge features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 91.2% of all households, including 54.5% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 8.8%, with lone person households at 7.6% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Botanic Ridge exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 20.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (15.2%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.3% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.3% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Botanic Ridge has 13 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two distinct routes that together facilitate 186 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 416 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.6% of Botanic Ridge's residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 26 trips per day, translating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Botanic Ridge is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Botanic Ridge shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and elderly cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% (~3,953 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.1 and 7.7% respectively, while 75.8% report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65 residents display better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 4.0% of residents aged 65 and over (293 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, ranking higher nationally than the general population.

Botanic Ridge ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Botanic Ridge showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 82.8% born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 39.8%. Judaism's representation was over twice the regional average, at 0.3% compared to 1.0%.

For ancestry, Australian (30.9%) and English (29.0%) groups were significantly higher than regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1%, respectively. Other ancestry stood at 6.8%, below the regional average of 14.6%. Hungarian (0.6%), Dutch (2.3%), and New Zealand (0.9%) ethnicities showed notable overrepresentation compared to regional averages.

Botanic Ridge hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Botanic Ridge's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Botanic Ridge has a higher concentration of 0-4 residents at 15.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10% and Australia's 5.5%. However, it has fewer 65-74 year-olds at 2.5% than both Greater Melbourne (6%) and Australia (6.3%). Post-2021 Census data shows Botanic Ridge's median age decreased by 2.3 years to 30 due to younger residents shifting the demographic. Notably, the 35-44 age group grew from 17.2% to 22.7%, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 10.9% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 8.7% to 4.9%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.6% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Botanic Ridge. The 0-4 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 315 residents to reach 1,444. Meanwhile, the 65-74 group is expected to contract by 2 residents.