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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Dromana statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,399. This figure represents a growth of 773 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,626. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 6,844 residents as of June 2024, based on ABS ERP data, and an additional 68 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 244 persons per square kilometer. Dromana's population growth of 11.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA3 area (3.7%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed around 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Dromana are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by the former data. By 2041, the Dromana (SA2) is forecasted to grow by approximately 2,037 persons, reflecting an increase of 19.5% over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

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

Dromana has averaged approximately 65 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 325 homes were approved, with an additional 23 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.4 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this ratio has decreased to 0.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $813,000, reflecting a focus on premium segments by developers. This year, $7.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, highlighting Dromana's primarily residential nature compared to Greater Melbourne, where it records 88.0% more building activity per person. Recent construction comprises 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a shift towards higher-density living, which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition of 82.0% houses. With around 121 people per dwelling approval, Dromana exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Dromana is projected to add 1,443 residents by 2041, suggesting that current housing supply should adequately meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Future projections show Dromana adding 1,443 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Dromana has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 15 infrastructure projects set to impact the area. Key projects include Dromana Estate Residential Community, Dromana Pier Redevelopment, Dromana Hub Shopping Centre Refurbishment & Expansion, and Arthurs Seat Eagle SkyTower and Alpine Coaster Project. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Dromana has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 3,215 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

Key industries of employment among residents were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area showed strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical employed only 6.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points in Dromana. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne where employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Dromana. These projections suggested national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Dromana's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, although this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Dromana's median income among taxpayers was $43,392, with an average of $63,714. Nationally, these figures were lower than the averages of $57,688 and $75,164 for Greater Melbourne respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,972 (median) and $68,970 (average), based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Dromana fell between the 20th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 29.0% of locals (2,145 people) earned between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the surrounding region at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 20th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 latest Census held on 29 August 2016, comprised 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metropolitan area's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dromana was 45.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged at 28.0% or rented at 26.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of 30 June 2019, was $1,781, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380. This is compared to Melbourne metropolitan area's $1,989 for mortgage repayments and $380 for rents. Nationally, Dromana's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne 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%, significantly 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 prevalent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (26.4%). Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

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

Dromana has 16 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by three different routes that together facilitate 630 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically residing 770 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 90 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 39 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. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,850 people), slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 57.8%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (9.1%). Conversely, 62.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in Greater Melbourne. Dromana has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.4% (2,323 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Dromana are above average, outperforming the general population in 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.0% of its population being citizens, 81.2% born in Australia, and 90.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Dromana, comprising 48.4% of people. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.2% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.1%), Australian (25.6%), and Irish (9.6%). Notably, Greek (3.8%) and Dutch (1.8%) were also overrepresented in Dromana compared to regional percentages of 1.2% and 1.8%, respectively. Macedonian was underrepresented at 0.5%.

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 above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.6% to 11.3% of Dromana's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 13.8% to 12.8%. By 2041, Dromana is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic change, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 51%, reaching 1,265 from 836 residents. This growth will be driven primarily by an aging population, with residents aged 65 and older accounting for 73% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.