McCrae

Population growth drivers in McCrae are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of McCrae is estimated at around 3,642, reflecting a 10.0% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,311 people. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,460 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 849 persons per square kilometer, inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. McCrae's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.7%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed around 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises 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. Considering projected demographic shifts and aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 486 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.0% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 26 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 130 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new homes is $506,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $18.5 million in commercial development approvals recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, McCrae shows moderately higher construction activity, at 49.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although construction activity has eased recently.

Recent construction in McCrae comprises 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across different price brackets. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 93.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 194 people per approval, McCrae reflects a developing area. Future projections show McCrae adding approximately 254 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area. Key projects include Rosedale Residential Development, Arthurs Seat Escarpment Management Plan, Greater Dromana Masterplan, and Mornington Peninsula Freeway Maintenance Program. The following 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals McCrae recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

McCrae's workforce is skilled with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3%. As of September 2025, 1,485 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.0%, which is 1.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in McCrae was 51.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 27.7% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction had an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while finance & insurance was under-represented at 1.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.9%.

Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.3% and labour force grew by 2.7%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McCrae's employment mix indicates 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 only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that McCrae has a median income of $51,661 and an average income of $69,955. This is slightly above the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average income is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for McCrae would be approximately $55,923 (median) and $75,726 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in McCrae rank modestly between the 31st and 36th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in McCrae is $800 - 1,499, which accounts for 29.0% of locals (1,056 people). After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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 was 54.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.9% and rented dwellings at 15.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $392, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, McCrae's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed 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 making up 2.1%. 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%). Notably, 20.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 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

Transport analysis indicates ten operational public transit stops in McCrae, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, facilitating 351 weekly passenger journeys collectively. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents typically situated 806 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode at 97%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional norm. Notably, 27.7% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages fifty trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately thirty-five 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

McCrae's health outcomes show excellent results 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% (~1,984 people) of McCrae's total population has private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in McCrae, affecting 12.2 and 9.1% of residents respectively. A total of 61.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. McCrae has a higher proportion of seniors (37.4%, or 1,362 people) than Greater Melbourne (15.1%). Health outcomes among seniors in McCrae are particularly strong and align 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 below average in cultural diversity, with 87.0% born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main 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'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 year-olds are under-represented at 5.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is significantly higher than the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 11.4% to 13.9% of McCrae's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 7.4% to 5.2%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 8.1% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in McCrae's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 171 people (34%), from 506 to 678. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 82% of the population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 25-34 age cohorts.