Glenroy (Vic.)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Glenroy (Vic.) had an estimated population of around 25,993 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 2,201 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,792 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 25,455 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 499 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,819 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Glenroy's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, is predicted over the period with the area expected to grow by 11,613 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 42.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Glenroy's dwelling approvals averaged 179 per year. Between FY21-FY25898 homes were approved, with another 80 in FY26 so far. Each new home attracted an average of 0.8 new residents annually from FY21 to FY25.

The average construction cost was $386,000 per dwelling. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $65,000, indicating low commercial development activity. Glenroy's development activity per capita is comparable to Greater Melbourne, suggesting market stability. Detached dwellings comprised 28.0% of new developments, with attached dwellings at 72.0%, offering affordable entry pathways for various buyers. This shift reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands.

With 159 people per dwelling approval, Glenroy exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Glenroy's population will grow by 11,075 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, intensifying buyer competition and potentially driving price increases.

Glenroy 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 51 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Glenroy Structure Plan, Banksia Gardens Social Housing Development, 71 May Street Townhouses, and 60 Daley Street 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 Glenroy remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Glenroy's workforce is highly educated with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.9%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Glenroy has an unemployment rate that is 0.9% lower (4.8%). Workforce participation in Glenroy is somewhat below standard at 67.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A significant proportion of residents work from home, with 27.7% doing so according to Census responses. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food.

Glenroy has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 8.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, Glenroy experienced a 0.2% increase in employment and a 0.8% decrease in labour force, leading to a fall of 0.9 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project growth rates for different industry sectors over five and ten-year periods. Applying these projections to Glenroy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Glenroy had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Glenroy was $53,987 and the average income stood at $63,630. These figures compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 2023, current estimates for Glenroy would be approximately $58,441 (median) and $68,879 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 showed household, family, and personal incomes in Glenroy ranked modestly, between the 40th and 44th percentiles. Income distribution revealed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 33.5% of residents (8,707 people), consistent with broader trends across the area showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Glenroy displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Glenroy, as per the latest Census, 58.5% of dwellings were houses while 41.6% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenroy stood at 28.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 38.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,927, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Glenroy was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Glenroy's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,927 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $369 against the national figure of $375.

Glenroy features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.8% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 35.9%, higher than the SA4 region average of 27.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 27.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 15.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 7.3% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 92 active stops operating in Glenroy. These are served by buses along 10 routes, providing a total of 4,906 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest stop. Glenroy is primarily residential and most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 72%, while train use stands at 19%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 27.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 700 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Glenroy is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Glenroy faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is slightly lower than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~13,518 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (7.6%) and arthritis (6.9%). However, 73.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65s have better than average health outcomes in the area. Glenroy has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,691 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Glenroy is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Glenroy's population shows high cultural diversity, with 45.8% born overseas and 52.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 38.9%. Islam is significantly overrepresented at 20.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (26.7%), Australian (14.1%), and English (13.9%). Notably, Lebanese (5.0%) and Italian (9.3%) groups are overrepresented in Glenroy compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 5.2%, respectively. Maltese representation is also higher at 1.8%.

Glenroy hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Glenroy's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Glenroy has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (21.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of Glenroy's population aged 35-44 has increased from 15.5% to 16.3%, while the percentage of residents aged 0-4 has decreased from 7.3% to 6.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Glenroy, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 65%, adding 1,805 residents to reach a total of 4,587.