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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of McCrae is around 3,260, a decrease of 51 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,311. This decline reflects an inferred resident population of 3,259 based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of 28 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 759 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, McCrae has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, exceeding the SA3 area's growth. Overseas migration contributed around 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods to cover areas not initially included.

Considering these projections, the suburb is expected to record an above median population growth by 2041, gaining 438 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 13.4%.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within McCrae when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in McCrae shows approximately 25 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 128 homes were approved, with an additional 23 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an estimated average of two new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years.

The supply and demand appear well-balanced, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes is $506,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, McCrae has recorded $18.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, McCrae exhibits moderately higher construction activity, at 48.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, despite a recent easing in construction activity. Recent construction in McCrae comprises 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding the range of medium-density options to cater to various price brackets. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses at 93.0%. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. McCrae's population density is around 208 people per approval, indicating a low-density area. Future projections estimate an addition of 437 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given 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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a single project that is expected to impact this particular area. Notable projects include Rosedale Residential Development, Arthurs Seat Eagle SkyTower and Alpine Coaster Project, Arthurs Seat Escarpment Management Plan, and Greater Dromana Masterplan. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 6.4% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%.

Residents' employment rate was 1.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, but workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.4%. A high proportion, 27.7%, of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Finance & insurance is under-represented at 1.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force by 0.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment grew by 2.4% but unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, varying significantly between sectors. 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 suburb is $51,661. Average income stands at $69,955. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $56,631 (median) and $76,685 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in McCrae between the 31st and 36th percentiles. Income distribution shows 29.0% of locals (945 people) earn $800 - 1,499, contrasting with surrounding region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 32.8%. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses. 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in McCrae was 54.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.9% and rented ones at 15.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, similar to Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure in McCrae was $392, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, McCrae's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $392 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.6% and certificates at 26.9%. A total of 20.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 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

McCrae has ten active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 351 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 806 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 97%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which exceeds the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 27.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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

Health outcomes data shows notable results for McCrae based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 54% (~1776 people) of McCrae's total population has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (9.1%). Notably, 61.1% of residents declare themselves 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 37.3% (1215 people) of its population aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 was found to be less culturally diverse, 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% of McCrae's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.2%), and Irish (10.2%). These percentages were substantially higher than the regional averages for these groups: English at 20.1%, Australian at 18.4%, and Irish at 5.6%. Additionally, Scottish ancestry was notably overrepresented at 10.1% compared to the regional average of 5.6%, while Dutch ancestry stood at 1.9% (regional average: 1.2%) and Hungarian at 0.3% (same as the regional average).

McCrae ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

McCrae's median age is 55, surpassing Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in McCrae at 20.4%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is significantly higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 11.4% to 13.6%, while the 35 to 44 age group has risen from 8.9% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 7.4% to 5.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in McCrae's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 187 people (42%), from 443 to 631. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 75% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.