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 Nov 2025, the Glen Iris (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 27,786. This reflects a growth of 1,655 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 26,131. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 27,462 residents following examination of ABS' ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 551 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,376 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation for areas not covered by the first data set. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. With these trends, the Glen Iris (Vic.) (SA2) is expected to expand by 1,038 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 2.9% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Glen Iris when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Glen Iris has seen around 175 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 879 homes. So far in FY-26, 29 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or surpassing demand. The average construction value of new properties is $1,063,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In this financial year, $64.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing strong commercial development momentum. New building activity comprises 37.0% standalone homes and 63.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 55.0% houses. Glen Iris has approximately 253 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Glen Iris is forecasted to gain 795 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good 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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable ones include Glen Iris Village Corner, 173 Burke Road Mixed-Use Development, Glen Eira City Council Infrastructure Program, and 18-20 Scott Grove Townhouses, with the following list detailing those 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.

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. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

There are 16,358 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is at 68.5%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical services show notable concentration with levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction is under-represented with only 5.4% of Glen Iris's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force grew by 1.9%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points in Glen Iris. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, with Glen Iris's local employment mix projecting growth rates of 7.4% and 14.8% respectively.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Glen Iris' median income is $69,570 and average income is $127,871. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $75,310 (median) and $138,420 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data reveals Glen Iris' household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 90th percentiles. Income distribution shows 32.7% of locals earn $4000+, contrasting with the broader area where 32.8% earn $1,500 - 2,999. Notably, 44.3% exceed $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and residents rank highly in disposable income at the 90th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Glen Iris displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with strong rates of outright home ownership

Glen Iris' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Iris stood at 38.0%, with 33.8% of dwellings being mortgaged and 28.2% rented out. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,830, while the median weekly rent was $450. Compared nationally, Glen Iris' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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 compose 70.2% of all households, including 36.6% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 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

Glen Iris has a notably high level of educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 57.1% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, potentially opening up opportunities in knowledge-based sectors. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification type at 36.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4% of all qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.5% and certificates 7.9%.

Educational participation is particularly high in Glen Iris, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 8.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 86 active transport stops operating within Glen Iris. These comprise a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. They are serviced by 15 individual routes, collectively providing 14,188 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 2,026 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 164 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 shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. Approximately 77% of its total population of 21,409 has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and mental health issues (6.7%), while 74.5% report no medical ailments, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's 0%. Glen Iris has a senior population of 17.9%, or 4,973 people aged 65 and over. Seniors' health outcomes are strong and align with the general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Glen Iris was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Iris, surveyed between June 2016 and August 2017, showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 28.5% of its residents born overseas and 22.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Glen Iris, accounting for 45.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 2.3% of Glen Iris' population.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (23.3%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (9.0%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Hungarian at 0.5%, Polish at 1.1%, and Sri Lankan at 0.8% of Glen Iris' population, compared to none in the regional averages.

Glen Iris's population is slightly older than 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 median age of 38. Comparing Glen Iris with Greater Melbourne, the 55-64 age cohort is notably more prevalent at 12.6% locally compared to the average, while the 25-34 age group is underrepresented at 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.8% to 15.2%, whereas the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 13.1%. By 2041, Glen Iris's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65-74 age group is expected to expand by 531 people (21%), growing from 2,528 to 3,060. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 87% of total population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.