Glen Iris (Vic.)

Glen Iris is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Glen Iris's population is estimated at around 28,207. This represents an increase of 2,076 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 26,131. The latest estimate, 27,812, was derived from AreaSearch's analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,427 persons per square kilometer, placing Glen Iris in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate of 7.9% since the census is within one percentage point of the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of 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, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting with weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth in national statistical areas. Glen Iris is projected to expand by 964 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 1.1% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Glen Iris when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Glen Iris shows approximately 189 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 949 homes. As of FY26, 32 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 new residents per year arrive for each new home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand. The average construction value of new properties is $1,081,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $109.9 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Building activity comprises 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 55.0% houses). Glen Iris has approximately 190 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Glen Iris will gain 300 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Glen Iris has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 37 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Glen Iris Village Corner, 173 Burke Road Mixed-Use Development, Glen Eira City Council Infrastructure Program, and 18-20 Scott Grove Townhouses. 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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Employment conditions in Glen Iris demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Glen Iris has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2%. The area's unemployment rate is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%, while workforce participation is similar at 68.5%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Glen Iris has a notable concentration in professional & technical services with levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented at 5.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, and labour force increased by 2.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% with unemployment rising 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Glen Iris. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Glen Iris's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Glen Iris has one of the highest incomes nationally. The median income is $69,581 and the average income stands at $127,749. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $78,042 (median) and $143,283 (average). Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Glen Iris rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 90th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 32.7% of locals (9,223 people) with earnings over $4,000 weekly, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence in Glen Iris, with 44.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and residents rank within the 90th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Glen Iris displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Glen Iris's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had no data on house and other dwelling percentages. Home ownership in Glen Iris stood at 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,830, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $450, while Melbourne metro had no data available. Nationally, Glen Iris's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Glen Iris has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households constitute 70.2% of all households, consisting of 36.6% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 26.6% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

Glen Iris demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Glen Iris is notably high, with 57.1% of residents aged 15 years or older holding university qualifications as of the latest available data. This compares to 30.4% at the national level and 33.4% in Victoria. The area's educational advantage is evident in its Bachelor degree holders (36.1%), postgraduate qualifications (15.7%), and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 7.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (9.1%), secondary (8.9%), and tertiary (8.8%) levels. Glen Iris has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 2,684 students as of the reported period, with an ICSEA score of 1177, indicating exceptional educational performance and placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes 4 primary and 3 K-12 schools. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to parent campus details.

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

Glen Iris has 88 active public transport stops offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes, facilitating 10,143 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 229 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,449 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

Glen Iris's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Glen Iris exhibits excellent health outcomes, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 77% of its total population of 21,719 has private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.3 and 6.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 74.5% of Glen Iris residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Melbourne overall. As of 2016, 17.8% of Glen Iris' population is aged 65 and over, comprising 5,020 individuals. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with the general population's health profile.

Glen Iris was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Iris, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, shows higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas. Overseas-born population comprises 28.5%, with 22.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.8%.

Notably, Judaism is more prevalent in Glen Iris at 2.3%, contrasting with its absence regionally. Top ancestral groups include English (23.3%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (9.0%). Other ethnic groups show significant variations: Hungarian (0.5% vs None%), Polish (1.1% vs None%), and Sri Lankan (0.8% vs None%) are overrepresented in Glen Iris compared to Greater Melbourne.

Glen Iris's median age exceeds the national pattern

Glen Iris has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne's average, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Glen Iris at 12.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.8% to 15.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 13.1%. By 2041, Glen Iris's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 514 people (20%), from 2,538 to 3,053. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 94% of total population growth, reflecting Glen Iris's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.