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 since the Census, Glenroy's population is estimated at around 25,993 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,201 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,792 people. The change is 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 equates 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 suburb of Glenroy 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, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 suburb expected to grow by 11,616 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 42.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Glenroy averaged approximately 179 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 898 homes were approved, with an additional 75 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.8 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years, indicating that supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost of new homes was $386,000. This year, $65,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Glenroy shows similar development activity per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional trends. New developments consist of 28.0% detached dwellings and 72.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 58.0% houses. This change is due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Glenroy has around 159 people per dwelling approval, indicating growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Glenroy is expected to grow by 11,088 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 51 projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include the Glenroy Structure Plan, Banksia Gardens Social Housing Development, 71 May Street Townhouses, and 60 Daley Street Townhouses. The following list details those most likely to be 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 has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.7%. As of September 2025, 13,989 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 68.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Home-based work accounted for 27.7% of jobs due to Covid-19 impacts. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food, with the latter being particularly specialized. Professional & technical services were under-represented at 8.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on resident vs working population counts. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment grew by 1.7% while labour force increased by the same rate, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw higher growth rates of 3.0% for employment and 3.3% for labour force. National employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glenroy's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.5% in five years and 13.5% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Glenroy suburb's income level is below national average, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Glenroy is $53,987, average income stands at $63,630. Greater Melbourne's figures are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,441 (median) and $68,879 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Glenroy's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between 40th and 44th percentiles. Income distribution sees the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominate with 33.5% of residents (8,707 people), similar to broader trends across the area at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at 43rd percentile. Glenroy's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Glenroy's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.5% houses and 41.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenroy was at 28.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 38.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Glenroy 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 35.9% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 27.7% and Australia's national rate 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 also common, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.4% and certificates for 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

Glenroy has 92 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 4,906 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Glenroy is rated as good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 72%, while train use accounts for 19%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.0, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 27.7% of residents work from home, which may be reflective of COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 700 trips per day 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 Glenroy's 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%), with 73.0% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65s in Glenroy have better than average health outcomes. Glenroy has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking 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 cultural diversity is notable, with 45.8% of its population born overseas and 52.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Glenroy, accounting for 38.9% of people, while Islam comprises 20.4%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%. The top three ancestry groups are Other (26.7%), Australian (14.1%), and English (13.9%).

Other notable ethnic group representations include Lebanese at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Italian at 9.3% versus 5.2%, and Maltese at 1.8% against a regional average of 1.1%.

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 proportion 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%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Glenroy's population aged 55 to 64 has grown from 8.7% to 9.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 0 to 4 has declined from 7.3% to 6.5%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Glenroy's population. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 65%, adding 1,806 residents and reaching a total of 4,588 residents.