Macleod (Vic.)

Macleod has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since Feb 2026, Macleod's population is estimated at around 10,557. This reflects an increase of 665 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,892 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,501, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024, and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,325 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to expand by 5,002 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 46.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Macleod, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Macleod had around 34 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years to June 2021, totalling an estimated 170 homes. As of FY-26, 30 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $610,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment.

This financial year, there have been $8.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Recent construction comprises 49.0% standalone homes and 51.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 77.0% houses). Macleod indicates a mature market with around 465 people per approval. By 2041, the population is expected to grow by 4,946 residents.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Macleod has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified eleven projects that could impact the area significantly due to their potential influence on local infrastructure. Among these key projects are 149 McKimmies Road Residential Precinct, RMIT University Bundoora Campus Developments, La Trobe University City of the Future, and University Hill Master Planned Community. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Macleod places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Macleod has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year. As of December 2025, there are 5,939 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 3.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Macleod is 68.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 42.1% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, the area has a high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 7.2%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force increased by 1.5%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Macleod's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

In AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Macleod suburb had a median taxpayer income of $62,692 and an average income of $83,053. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,864 (median) and $89,905 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Macleod's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. In income distribution, 28.8% of Macleod's population (3,040 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, aligning with the regional cohort representing 32.8%. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 31.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. Macleod's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Macleod's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census report, consisted of 76.7% houses and 23.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macleod stood at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.7% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,296, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Macleod was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Macleod's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded the national average of $375.

Macleod has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.6% of all households, consisting of 34.5% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Macleod performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

In Macleod, a notable 43.1% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, outpacing the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.7%, trailed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 25.3% of residents, with advanced diplomas accounting for 11.1% and certificates for 14.2%. Educational participation is high, with 27.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

A total of 40 active public transport stops are currently operating within Macleod. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a combined weekly passenger trip count of 2,575. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 225 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 83%, while train usage stands at 11%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Macleod.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, specifically 42.1%, work from home, which may be partly attributed to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 367 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 64 weekly trips per individual stop.

Macleod's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Macleod residents have relatively positive health outcomes according to health data. AreaSearch's analysis shows mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high, at approximately 60% of the total population (6,289 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.0% and 7.9% of residents respectively. 68.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Macleod has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,143 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Macleod, surveyed in 2016, had a higher proportion of overseas-born residents than most local areas, with 26.3%. In this suburb, 23.0% spoke languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 48.9% of Macleod's population.

Judaism, however, was more prevalent in Macleod at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (22.6%), Australian (20.6%), and Other (9.4%), which was lower than the regional average of 14.6%. Notably, Macedonian (1.6%) and Croatian (1.4%) residents were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% each. Italian ancestry was also higher at 8.1%, compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Macleod's median age exceeds the national pattern

Macleod has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The proportion of residents aged 85 and over is notably higher in Macleod at 4.2%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while those aged 25 to 34 are under-represented at 12.0%. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 10.7% to 14.1%, whilst the 0 to 4 age group has decreased from 5.9% to 4.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Macleod's age profile. The 45 to 54 age cohort is expected to grow substantially, with an increase of 781 people (54%) from 1,446 to 2,228.