Dromana

Dromana lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The suburb of Dromana had an estimated population of 6,889 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses. This figure represents a growth of 263 people (4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,626. The estimated resident population of 6,853, as calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 68 validated new addresses, reflects this increase. This results in a population density of approximately 227 persons per square kilometer. Dromana's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.3%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed around 86% to the overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, they utilize VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate significant growth for the suburb, with an expected increase of 2,058 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 28.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Dromana among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates that Dromana experienced approximately 64 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 323 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in Dromana was around 1.4 people per year between FY-21 and FY-25, with this figure decreasing to 0.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. Development projects averaged $813,000 in construction value during this period, suggesting a focus on premium market properties. Additionally, $2.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered in FY-26, indicating a primarily residential development focus.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dromana recorded 87.0% more construction activity per person as of recent figures. Recent construction comprises 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards denser development options. This trend is notable given the current 82.0% prevalence of houses in the area. Dromana's population growth projections suggest an increase of approximately 1,974 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Future projections show Dromana adding 1,974 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Dromana has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Dromana Estate Residential Community, Dromana Pier Redevelopment, Arthurs Seat Eagle SkyTower and Alpine Coaster Project, and Dromana Hub Shopping Centre Refurbishment & Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Dromana has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Dromana's workforce is skilled, with the construction sector prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in June 2025, below Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%. As of June 2025, 3,188 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% lower than Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries included construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction was particularly specialized, employing 1.8 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employed only 6.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, while the labour force grew by 4.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dromana's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Dromana is just below the national average. The median assessed income is $43,392 while the average income stands at $63,714. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,668 (median) and $71,462 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Dromana all fall between the 20th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.0% of the community (1,997 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Dromana is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Dromana, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metropolitan area's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dromana was at 45.4%, aligning with Melbourne metro's level, while the remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (28.0%) or rented (26.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,781, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,989. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, matching Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, Dromana's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Dromana features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.1% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households at 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Dromana aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.8%, substantially lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 26.4%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Dromana's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,427 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1000) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub, offering 35.2 school places per 100 residents - significantly higher than the regional average of 14.3 - attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The transport analysis indicates that there are currently 16 active public transport stops operating within Dromana. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 3 individual routes in operation. Collectively, these routes provide 1,046 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically residing an average distance of 770 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages 149 trips per day, which equates to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Dromana is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for Dromana, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52%, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 57.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9% of residents) and mental health issues (9.1%). Conversely, 62.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.9% across Greater Melbourne. Dromana has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.4%, or 2,163 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Dromana are above average and better than the general population in terms of health metrics.

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

Dromana, as per the findings, showed a cultural diversity below average. Its population composition was predominantly citizens at 88.0%, with 81.2% born in Australia and 90.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 48.4% of Dromana's population.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Dromana compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.2% versus 0.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English at 30.1%, Australian at 25.6%, and Irish at 9.6%. Significant differences were observed in the representation of Greek (3.8% vs regional 1.2%), Dutch (1.8% vs 1.8%), and Macedonian (0.5% vs 0.1%) ethnic groups.

Dromana ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Dromana's median age is 50 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dromana has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.3%). This 65-74 concentration is notably higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Dromana's population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 9.6% to 11.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.8% to 12.8%. By 2041, Dromana is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 63%, adding 488 people and reaching a total of 1,267 from the current figure of 778. This growth is part of an overall demographic aging trend, with residents aged 65 and older accounting for 65% of the projected population increase. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group is expected to decrease by 7 residents.