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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since May 2026, Glenroy's estimated population is around 25,603. This figure marks a rise of 1,811 people from the 2021 Census total of 23,792, representing a 7.6% increase. The current resident population estimate of 25,462, derived from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 537 validated new addresses since the Census date, translates to a density ratio of 2,776 persons per square kilometer. This places Glenroy in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending May 2026, Glenroy has shown consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb of Glenroy (Vic.).

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses Victoria's State Government Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Glenroy is projected to experience significant growth, ranking it among the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The area is expected to add approximately 11,190 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 43.2%.

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

Glenroy averaged approximately 179 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY21 and FY25, around 898 homes were approved, with an additional 111 approved in FY26 as of present. On average, each new home attracted about 0.8 new residents over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes was approximately $386,000. In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $65,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in Glenroy compared to Greater Melbourne, where development activity per capita is comparable, supporting market stability. Glenroy's new development composition consists of 28.0% detached dwellings and 72.0% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing mix of 58.0% houses. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Glenroy has approximately 159 people per dwelling approval, indicating growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Glenroy is projected to gain around 11,049 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and driving 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 that could impact this region. Notable projects 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.

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 Glenroy remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Glenroy has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation in Glenroy was 67.9%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 69.9%.

A significant 27.7% of residents worked from home, possibly influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Glenroy had a high specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical jobs were under-represented at 8.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, Glenroy's employment increased by 0.2%, while its labour force decreased by 0.8%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glenroy's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple 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 by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Glenroy's median income among taxpayers is $53,987, average income stands at $63,630, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,181 (median) and $69,751 (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 (8,577 people), consistent with broader area trends at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at 43rd percentile. Area'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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.5% houses and 41.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenroy stood at 28.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented dwellings at 38.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,927, below the Melbourne metro average of $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 lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, 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%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 27.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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

Glenroy has 92 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that collectively facilitate 4,906 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest stop. Glenroy is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward using cars (72%), followed by trains at 19%. On average, there is one car per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home (27.7%), possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 700 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 somewhat prevalent across all age groups but higher among older cohorts.

Private health cover is slightly lower at approximately 52% of Glenroy's total population (~13,316 people), compared to Melbourne's average of 56.7%. The most common conditions are mental health issues (7.6%) and arthritis (6.9%). 73.0% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65s have better health outcomes than the broader population. Glenroy has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.4%, compared to Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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, comprising 38.9%. Islam is overrepresented at 20.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three parental 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, while Maltese is slightly 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 proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.7%). The concentration of residents aged 25-34 in Glenroy is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has grown from 15.5% to 16.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 85 and over has declined from 3.5% to 2.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Glenroy, with the strongest projected growth occurring among the 45-54 age group, which is expected to grow by 67%, adding 1,793 residents to reach a total of 4,456.