McCrae

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

The estimated population of McCrae as of February 2026 is around 3,642 people. This figure reflects a growth of 331 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,311 in the suburb. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,460 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 849 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. McCrae's growth rate of 10.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (3.7%) and the SA4 region, making it a notable growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 522 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total gain of approximately 9.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees McCrae recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, McCrae has seen approximately 25 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 128 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, there has been an average of 0.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these new homes is $506,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $18.5 million in commercial development approvals recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Melbourne. McCrae shows moderately higher construction activity than the regional average over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

However, construction activity has eased recently. Recent construction in McCrae comprises 58% standalone homes and 42% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 93% houses. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 206 people per approval, McCrae reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, McCrae is projected to add approximately 340 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

McCrae has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects are Rosedale Residential Development, Arthurs Seat Escarpment Management Plan, Greater Dromana Masterplan, and Mornington Peninsula Freeway Maintenance Program. 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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AreaSearch assessment indicates McCrae faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

McCrae's workforce is skilled, with the construction sector being notably prominent. The unemployment rate was 6.4% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 3.4%. As of December 2025, 1,497 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is 1.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in McCrae was 51.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 27.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. McCrae had a high specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, but finance & insurance was under-represented at 1.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.9%.

Local employment opportunities appeared limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, while labour force grew by 2.3%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.3 percentage point increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's 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 McCrae's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in McCrae is $51,661 and average income is $69,955. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,923 (median) and $75,726 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks McCrae's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 31st and 36th percentiles. Income distribution in McCrae is dominated by the $800 - 1,499 bracket, with 29.0% of locals (1,056 people), contrasting with the surrounding region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 32.8%. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains for other costs. McCrae's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

McCrae's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in McCrae stood at 54.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.9% and rented ones at 15.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $392, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, McCrae's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.9% of all households, including 22.3% couples with children, 39.7% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

McCrae shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 25.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (26.9%). A total of 20.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.1% in primary, 6.0% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

A substantial 20.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.1% in primary education, 6.0% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 10 active transport stops in McCrae, served by a mix of buses on two routes. These provide a total of 351 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 806 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 27.7% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

McCrae's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment of McCrae's health outcomes shows low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The area has a high private health cover rate at approximately 54%, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.2% and 9.1% of residents respectively. Around 61.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. McCrae has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 38.2%, or 1,391 people, compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with national rankings.

McCrae is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

McCrae's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.0% born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.9%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.2%), and Irish (10.2%). Notable divergences included Scottish (10.1% vs regional 5.6%), Dutch (1.9% vs 1.2%), and Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.3%).

McCrae ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

McCrae has a median age of 56, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 20.8% of McCrae's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 25-34 cohort represents only 5.2%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 11.4% to 14.1%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 8.9% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 7.4% to 5.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests McCrae's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 184 people (36%), from 513 to 698. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting McCrae's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 cohorts.