Ivanhoe East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Ivanhoe East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Ivanhoe East's population is estimated at around 4,016, reflecting a growth of 254 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,762. This increase represents a 6.8% change from the previous census figure. The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 4,008 for Ivanhoe East. This results in a population density ratio of 1,912 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth since the 2021 census (6.8%) exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for Ivanhoe East.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, applying adjustments through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas for Ivanhoe East, with an expected growth of 1,313 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 30.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Ivanhoe East according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ivanhoe East shows an average of around 37 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years to June 2021, totalling approximately 186 homes. As of April 2026, 10 approvals have been recorded this financial year. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, indicating a positive outlook for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $1,442,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

Commercial approvals in Ivanhoe East this financial year have reached $901,000, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ivanhoe East has recorded construction activity 41.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period ending June 2021. This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although building activity has slowed in recent years. New development consists of 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 77.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 354 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ivanhoe East is forecasted to gain 1,218 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Ivanhoe Park Upgrades, The Grounds Estate, Ivanhoe East residential development at the Ivanhoe Water Tank Site, and Ivanhoe East Retirement Village. Below is a 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Ivanhoe East performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Ivanhoe East has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 0.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

As of June 2025, 2,394 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is at 66.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Ivanhoe East specializes in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 3.5% of its workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 6.4%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, while labour force increased by 1.5%, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 3.9%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising to 5.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ivanhoe East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows that Ivanhoe East has exceptionally high incomes nationally. The median income is $65,621, while the average income stands at $103,728. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Ivanhoe East would be approximately $73,601 (median) and $116,341 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Ivanhoe East rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 96th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 39.1% of the community (1,570 individuals) earns $4,000 or more per week, differing from regional patterns where incomes primarily fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. The substantial proportion of high earners (49.6% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Ivanhoe East. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Ivanhoe East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Ivanhoe East, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.3% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Melbourne's metropolitan area, which has 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ivanhoe East stood at 45.0%, with mortgaged properties at 34.8% and rented dwellings at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, higher than Melbourne's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Ivanhoe East was $451, compared to Melbourne's $399. Nationally, Ivanhoe East's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ivanhoe East features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.0% of all households, including 41.7% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.0%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Ivanhoe East 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 Ivanhoe East is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 54.4% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.8% regionally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 33.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways account for 18.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in secondary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 7.8% pursuing tertiary education. Ivanhoe East Primary School-Wilfred Road Campus and Ivanhoe East Primary School serve a total of 475 students. The area's educational performance is high (ICSEA: 1163), placing its schools among the most advantaged nationally. Both primary schools are focused exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. There are 11.8 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 18.4. Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 17 active stops operating in Ivanhoe East, served by buses via 3 routes offering 1,072 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 225 meters, indicating good accessibility. Service frequency averages 153 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 153 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ivanhoe East's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Ivanhoe East with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (2,716 people), compared to 60.3% across Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 6.8% and 6.7% of residents respectively, while 73.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Greater Melbourne.

The area has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (911 people), which is higher than the 19.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Ivanhoe East has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 22.3% of its population born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ivanhoe East, accounting for 53.2% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Ivanhoe East compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.5% of the population identifying as Jewish versus 0.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.5%), Australian (20.7%), and Italian (10.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Greek is overrepresented at 5.7% compared to 3.0% regionally, Macedonian at 1.6% versus 1.1%, and Lebanese at 1.3% against 0.6%.

Ivanhoe East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Ivanhoe East is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ivanhoe East has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 6.1% to 8.5%, while the 55-64 age group declined from 15.3% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ivanhoe East's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 87%, adding 295 people and reaching a total of 637 from the previous 341. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 54% of the population growth, reflecting Ivanhoe East's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 age group shows minimal growth of just 3%, adding only 4 people.