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

The population of the McCrae statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 3,647 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 336 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,311 people in the area. The change was inferred from the resident population of 3,460 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 850 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The McCrae (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 10.1% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, exceeding both the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7% and the SA4 region's growth rate during this period. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains.

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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the McCrae (SA2). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 479 persons to reach a total population of 4,126 by 2041. This reflects a gain of 7.0% in total over the 17-year period from Nov 2025 to 2041.

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. Approximately 130 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with 18 so far in FY-26. On average, there are about 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand scenario, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes is around $506,000, indicating that developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $18.5 million in commercial development approvals recorded, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, McCrae exhibits moderately higher construction activity, at 49.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although recent construction activity has eased slightly. Recent construction comprises approximately 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding the range of medium-density options to cater to various price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses at 93.0%. McCrae reflects a developing area with around 194 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, McCrae is projected to add approximately 255 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 46thth percentile nationally

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

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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 skilled workforce is notable, particularly in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 5.9% in a recent period, with estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of September 2025, 1,492 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's at 6.0%, and workforce participation is lower at 51.3%. Dominant sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment is high, at 1.8 times the regional level. Finance & insurance, however, is under-represented, with only 1.0% of McCrae's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.9%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 3.4%, while labour force grew by 2.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McCrae's employment mix indicates local growth should be around 6.4% in five years and 13.1% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations 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 is $51,661 and average income is $69,955. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are 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 led by the $800 - 1,499 bracket at 29.0% (1,057 people), contrasting with the surrounding region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 32.8%. After housing costs, 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

In McCrae, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne's metropolitan area where 85.5% of dwellings are houses and 14.5% are other types. Home ownership in McCrae stood at 54.4%, with mortgaged properties making up 29.9% and rented dwellings accounting for 15.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, exceeding Melbourne's metro average of $1,989. The median weekly rent in McCrae was $392, compared to Melbourne's metropolitan figure of $380. Nationally, McCrae's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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 prominent, 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 pursuing 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

Transport analysis indicates ten active public transport stops operating within McCrae. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 351 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 806 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages fifty trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately thirty-five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in McCrae is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for McCrae, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~1,986 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 57.8%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (9.1%). 61.1% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 63.9%. McCrae has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.9% (1,345 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in McCrae are strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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, however, was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.2%), and Irish (10.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish (10.1% vs regional 9.0%), Dutch (1.9% vs 1.8%), and Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.3%) were overrepresented in McCrae.

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. Compared to Greater Melbourne, McCrae has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (20.7%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (5.8%). This concentration of the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of McCrae's population in the 75 to 84 age range has increased from 11.4% to 13.4%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 7.4% to 5.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in McCrae's age structure. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is projected to increase by 192 people (39%), rising from 488 to 681. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 83% of the population growth, emphasizing the trend towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 15-24 and 0-4 years.