Suburb profile · Greater Melbourne
Elwood has an estimated 16,429 residents, up 8.4% since the 2021 Census, with 109 projects tracked in the area around Elwood.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Conveniently located 7.6 kilometres south-southeast from Melbourne CBD, the suburb of Elwood has an estimated population of 16,429 as of Aug 2026 (ERP), following an increase of 1,276 people (8.4%) since the 2021 Census, when 15,153 people were recorded. AreaSearch's estimate draws on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts, released yearly, and national address file data updated each quarter. Housing is characterised by a high apartment share and low average household size.
Residents include a high proportion of young adults and working-age people, with many living in lone person or group households. The suburb is exceptionally well educated and has high income levels, while population growth shows moderate expansion. These features describe a community with a distinctive residential profile and strong educational and income characteristics.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Conveniently located 7.6 kilometres south-southeast from Melbourne CBD, the suburb of Elwood has an estimated population of 16,429 as of Aug 2026 (ERP), following an increase of 1,276 people (8.4%) since the 2021 Census, when 15,153 people were recorded. AreaSearch's estimate draws on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts, released yearly, and national address file data updated each quarter. Housing is characterised by a high apartment share and low average household size.
Residents include a high proportion of young adults and working-age people, with many living in lone person or group households. The suburb is exceptionally well educated and has high income levels, while population growth shows moderate expansion. These features describe a community with a distinctive residential profile and strong educational and income characteristics.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 14,725 in 2006 and 16,412 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 16,429 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 22.1%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 32.4%.
Elwood ranks in the 98th percentile nationally for education and the 85th for health.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Elwood is $622 a week, up 6.8% over 12 months to Sep 2025 and 6% above Greater Melbourne.
6% above Greater Melbourne on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $923 in 2022, $1,065 in 2025; Units (dashed orange line): $416 in 2022, $575 in 2025. The latest is to Sep 2025.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $622 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +6.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, houses | $1,065 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | -7.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, units | $575 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Port Phillip | $613 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Port Phillip, over 12 months | +4.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Melbourne - Inner | $628 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Melbourne - Inner, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Greater Melbourne | $587 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Melbourne, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, VIC | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, VIC, over 12 months | +4.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
AreaSearch tracks 109 projects in and around Elwood, 31 of them under construction.
Redevelopment of the former ABC Studios site into the Elsternwick Gardens mixed-use neighbourhood by Milieu and Besen. The approved project comprises six residential buildings with up to 180 apartments following a 2025 amendment, food and drink premises, extensive landscaped gardens, public open space, retention and relocation of the historic broadcast…
City of Port Phillip foreshore works extending the St Kilda Pier landside entrance to Jacka Boulevard to create a new visitor arrival space and improve links between the pier, promenade, Catani Gardens, Bay Trail and nearby attractions.
The Elwood Main Drain Duplication is a Melbourne Water flood mitigation project to build a second drain, carrying floodwater from Melbourne's south-east to Port Phillip Bay at Elwood in the Elster Creek catchment.
Heritage protection measures for significant Elwood residential precinct through Planning Scheme Amendment. Preserves architectural character and historical significance of this important residential area with new heritage controls and design guidelines.
A 15-storey mixed-use high-rise development featuring 94 residences, including one and two-bedroom apartments. The project includes ground-floor retail and food premises, three levels of basement parking for 78 vehicles, and a communal rooftop garden with organic waste facilities.
5-level boutique block comprising 8 x 2-bedroom apartments, 1 x 1-bedroom apartment, basement parking, lobby and 2 retail shops at ground level. Approved plans and permits in place. The development at 191-193 Carlisle Street, Balaclava VIC 3183 is a low-rise project with 1 building, 5 floors, and 9 residences.
Mixed-use development by Coles Group Property Developments following the approved purchase of council-owned land and laneways. The project includes a contemporary full-line supermarket, a new underground car park to replace existing public surface spaces, new retail shops, residential apartments, and at least 250 square meters of new public open space.
Gamuda Land's Fareham is a sustainable boutique apartment development at 95 St Kilda Road, St Kilda. The project is under construction, has topped out, and is planned for completion in mid 2026.
Mixed-use development featuring a supermarket and residential apartments, revised to 6 storeys with additional setbacks and height reductions after VCAT approval. Includes ground floor commercial spaces.
The Gild is a Fortis mixed-use residential and retail development on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda. The project comprises refined 1, 2 and 3 bedroom residences, penthouses, rooftop and resident amenity spaces, private dining and wellness-style shared areas, plus a curated ground-level retail and hospitality streetscape.
A five-storey mixed-use development branded as 'Ondas villas' featuring 16 luxurious apartments (predominantly three-bedroom), ground floor retail space (327 sqm), and basement parking for 40 vehicles. The project, designed by Warren and Mahoney, retains the heritage facade of the existing Victorian and Interwar Moderne buildings.
Boutique townhouse development by Coff Property on an 1800 square metre site in the sought-after suburb of Elsternwick. The luxury residential project is in early planning stages and will feature contemporary townhouse design in a highly desirable location close to Elsternwick Village, train station, tram lines, shops, dining, and amenities.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 56 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 12, 2026 20, 2027 12, 2028 6, 2029 3, 2030 2, 2031 0, 2032 1. 10 have no completion year.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS building approvals | 1.6 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 19th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 25 | ABS building approvals | 38th percentile nationally |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Elwood include: Elwood Main Drain Duplication Project (Construction); Elwood Foreshore Precinct Masterplan (Planning); St Kilda Marina Redevelopment (Planning); 14 Alma Road Mixed-Use Development (Construction); and Ink (71 Inkerman Street) (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Elwood spans multiple sectors including Sports & Recreation, Residential Development, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees a low level of activity in Elwood, placing the area among the bottom 19% of areas assessed nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Elwood area has seen 38 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Elwood's current population of 16,429 has been supported by 25 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Elwood has seen 1.6 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 8.7 approvals in Greater Melbourne. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 859 people in the suburb of Elwood, compared to one for every 121 in Greater Melbourne.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Elwood's approval levels have been slightly above the yearly average of 25, showing modest growth in recent years.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Elwood has grown by approximately 111 people, while 125 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 0.9 people added for each new dwelling approval. This low ratio indicates housing supply is outpacing population growth, potentially creating market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Elwood reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,429 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +8.4% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 6,330 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 96th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | 0.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 15,153 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 1,276 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +2.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 2.60 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Elwood was estimated to be approximately 16,429 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 16,412 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Elwood has added approximately 1,276 people and shown a 8.42% increase from the 15,153 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Elwood is estimated at 6,319 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Elwood has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.0% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Elwood is driven by: Overseas migration (77.0%), Natural increase (23.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 77.0% of overall population gains.
Elwood's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 38 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 13.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 10.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 32.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 66.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 38 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 4.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 6.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 10.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 22.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 18.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 13.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 3.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Elwood at 38 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 38 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 38 years as at August 2026, Elwood is comparable to the Greater Melbourne 2021 Census average (37 years) and similarly aligned with equal to the national Census average.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Elwood compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 22.1% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Elwood compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 6.6% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Elwood show significant variance compared to Greater Melbourne. The most under-represented age groups are 5-14 year-olds (6.6% vs 11.8%) and 85+ year-olds (1.3% vs 2.1%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 10.6% of the population in the suburb of Elwood as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 13.2% of the population in the suburb of Elwood as at August 2026.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 83% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $74,328 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 91st percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $107,419 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,096 | 2021 Census, weekly | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,364 | 2021 Census, weekly | 96th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 33.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $3,210 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 15.7% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Elwood is approximately $79,234. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $74,328.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Elwood is approximately $114,509. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $107,419.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Elwood is approximately $79,234 compared to $63,783 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $74,328 and $59,834 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Elwood is approximately $114,509 compared to $83,612 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $107,419 and $78,435 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Elwood's households (~32.4% / 2,354 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Elwood is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 32.4% of households. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.8% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Elwood is $2,096/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Elwood is $3,210/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Elwood is $1,364/wk.
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the suburb of Elwood had a median income among taxpayers of $74,328 with the average level standing at $107,419. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $59,834 and $78,435 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.6% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $79,234 (median) and $114,509 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Elwood is $7,530 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Elwood's disposable income is $7,530 compared to $6,948 for Greater Melbourne, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment performance in Elwood exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 81.4% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 11,542 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 11,932 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 12,025 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Elwood has approximately 11,542 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Elwood stands at 4.0%, which is 0.8 percentage points below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Elwood is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are professional & technical (16.0% of employment), health care & social assistance (13.8%), and education & training (10.4%). Other significant employers include retail trade and construction.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Elwood has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Elwood is 81.4%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Melbourne average of 70.1%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The suburb of Elwood shows notable specialisation in professional & technical, which employs 16.0% of the local workforce compared to 10.1% across Greater Melbourne. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector.
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The suburb of Elwood's employment market shows above-average performance nationally, placing in the top half of areas assessed. Employment indicators suggest healthy labour market conditions relative to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.6% decline, ranking 28th out of 37 regions nationally.
Elwood demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 2% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 37.0% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 15.2% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 57.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 11.0% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 5.0% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 11.3% | 2021 Census | 65th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 20.4% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 26.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 8.1% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 6.9% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 5.6% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
57.2% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Elwood have university qualifications, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne.
20.4% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Elwood have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.2% in Greater Melbourne.
The suburb of Elwood ranks in the 98th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Elwood are: Bachelor Degree (37.0%), Postgraduate (15.2%), Advanced Diploma (11.3%).
26.9% of the population in the suburb of Elwood is currently engaged in formal education, including 6.9% in primary school, 5.6% in secondary school, 8.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Elwood is 1121, indicating above-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 4 schools within the suburb of Elwood, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,766 students.
The suburb of Elwood includes 2 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 1 combined school.
Elwood features high concentrations of lone person households and group households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 1.9 people | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 44.1% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 17.8% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 23.7% | 2021 Census | 24th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 6.6% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 6.6% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 7,264 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 7,876 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 49.2% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 0.8 per family | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Elwood had 7,264 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 8.4% to an estimated 7,876 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Elwood is 1.9 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Melbourne and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 49.2% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (44.1%), group households (6.6%), and other household types (0.1%).
Of the 3,574 family households, couples with children account for 17.8% of all households, couples without children at home 23.7%, and single parent families 6.6%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Melbourne, the suburb of Elwood shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 44.1% (versus 24.8% in Greater Melbourne). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 49.2% compared to 70.9% in Greater Melbourne. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Marriage patterns reveal 29.3% of the adult population are currently married, while 55.3% have never married. This compares to 47.0% married and 38.0% never married across Greater Melbourne.
Single-person households represent 44.1% of all households in the suburb of Elwood, higher than the average for Greater Melbourne of 24.8%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 6.6% of households, above the Greater Melbourne average of 4.3%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Elwood was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 28.3% | 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 15.5% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 84.5% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 82.3% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 71.7% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.3% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
Elwood was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 15.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.3% born overseas.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Elwood, at 30.4% of people, although more residents (62.5%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 3.9% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Elwood are English, comprising 26.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Melbourne's 20.1%, Australian, comprising 18.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Elwood (vs 0.8% across Greater Melbourne), French at 1.3% (vs 0.5%) and Russian at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).
28.3% of the suburb of Elwood population was born overseas, compared to 37.3% across Greater Melbourne.
15.5% of the population in the suburb of Elwood speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 35.9% in Greater Melbourne.
0.3% of the suburb of Elwood population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 0.5% in Greater Melbourne.
82.3% of the suburb of Elwood population holds citizenship, compared to 81.1% in Greater Melbourne.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Elwood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 52.3% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 21.1% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Apartments | 72.2% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,300 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 26.6% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 13.6% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $415 | 2021 Census, weekly | 70th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 19.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 25.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 62nd percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.9 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Elwood, 21.1% of homes are owned outright, 26.6% are owned with a mortgage, and 52.3% are rented.
According to the latest data, 14.3% of dwellings in the suburb of Elwood are houses.
In the suburb of Elwood, 72.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 13.6% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Elwood stands at 21.1%, compared to 30.7% in Greater Melbourne.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Elwood is $2,300, compared to $2,000 in Greater Melbourne.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Elwood is $1,552, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Elwood, households with mortgages typically spend 25.3% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 19.8% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Elwood is 0.9, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Elwood shows mortgage holders spending 25.3% of income on repayments (vs 24.3% in Greater Melbourne), while renters spend 19.8% of income on rent (vs 20.5% in Greater Melbourne).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Elwood consists of 14.3% detached houses, 13.6% semi-detached dwellings, 72.2% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Elwood consumes approximately 17.1% of median household income ($9,076 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Elwood show attached dwellings contributing 37% of approvals compared to 86% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 63% of applications versus 14% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. This area is seeing substantial increases in dwelling density compared to most Australian locations.
Elwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 67.9% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 89th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 74.6% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 2.5% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 78.0% | 2021 Census | 62nd percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.7% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
Around 67.9% of people in the suburb of Elwood are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.5% in Greater Melbourne.
In the suburb of Elwood, 2.5% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.5% of people in Greater Melbourne require similar assistance.
7.6% of people in the suburb of Elwood are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.3% of the population across Greater Melbourne is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 1.8% of the suburb of Elwood population, while in Greater Melbourne, 4.1% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
2.1% of people in the suburb of Elwood have heart disease. Across Greater Melbourne,3.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Elwood, 67.9% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Melbourne sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.5%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 73 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 44 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 38th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 3,517 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 66th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 373 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 8 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 0.7 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 50.5% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 44 public transport stops within the suburb of Elwood.
The suburb of Elwood has 3,517 weekly trips across 8 routes, averaging 502 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 159 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 279 m away and the nearest school 380 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 44 stops nearby, 3,517 weekly trips, access rating 73 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 78 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 78th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 279 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 380 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 392 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 427 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest supermarket | 618 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 646 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 696 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 960 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 2.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 3.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 6 long day care centres with 393 places in Elwood, about 1.7 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Elwood is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Elwood.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees a low level of activity in Elwood, placing the area among the bottom 19% of areas assessed nationally.
Elwood ranks in the 74th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Elwood is $622 a week, +6.8% over 12 months to Sep 2025.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Elwood reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
Elwood's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms.
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 83% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
Employment performance in Elwood exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators.
Elwood demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 2% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
Elwood features high concentrations of lone person households and group households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Melbourne.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Elwood was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Elwood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
Elwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Elwood has an estimated 16,429 residents, up 8.4% since the 2021 Census, with 109 projects tracked in the area around Elwood.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Elwood.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2025, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to May 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20867). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (May 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Elwood from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Elwood with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
