McKinnon

McKinnon 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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of McKinnon is around 7,640, reflecting an increase of 762 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 11.1% rise from the previous figure of 6,878 residents. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,606 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 124 new addresses since the Census date. This population density translates to approximately 4,835 persons per square kilometer, placing McKinnon within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both the SA4 region (8.7%) and the national average, driven primarily by overseas migration contributing around 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projects an above median population growth for Australian statistical areas, expecting McKinnon to increase by 1,712 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 22.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,712 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 22.0% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within McKinnon when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in McKinnon shows an average of 46 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 233 homes were approved, with a further 23 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.9 people moved to McKinnon for each dwelling built. However, this has intensified to 5.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of development projects in McKinnon is $765,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This year, $6.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, McKinnon maintains similar construction rates per person, maintaining market balance with the broader area despite recent slowing of building activity. Recent construction comprises 27.0% detached dwellings and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 59.0% houses), likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 209 people per dwelling approval, McKinnon exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, McKinnon is projected to add 1,678 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Fourteen projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include East Village Strategic Site - Assemble Build-to-Rent Precinct, Ormond Station Development (Ormond Place), East Village, and Bentleigh 'Eat-Street' Precinct. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions McKinnon ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

McKinnon has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation was 68.8%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.3%.

A high proportion, 47.3%, worked from home based on Census responses, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area had a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Construction employed only 6.2% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.2%, labour force by 0.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McKinnon's employment mix suggested local employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in McKinnon at $61,006 and average income at $85,199. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $66,039 (median) and $92,228 (average), based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data ranks McKinnon's household, family, and personal incomes between the 75th and 88th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in McKinnon is led by those earning $4000+, making up 27.6% of locals (2,108 people), while the region's leading bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 at 32.8%. A substantial proportion, 40.8%, earn above $3,000/week. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 86th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

McKinnon displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In McKinnon, as per the latest Census evaluation, 59.0% of dwellings were houses while 41.0% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differed from Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in McKinnon stood at 31.8%, similar to Melbourne metro's rate, with mortgaged properties at 34.8% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,689, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in McKinnon was $516, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, McKinnon's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,689 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

McKinnon features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.0% of all households, including 45.1% couples with children, 21.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.0%, with lone person households at 17.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

McKinnon demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In McKinnon, educational attainment is notably high, with 49.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its strong showing for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 31.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%.

Vocational pathways account for 20.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.3% and certificates 10.1%. Educational participation is high, with 35.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in secondary education, 11.0% in primary education, and 7.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

McKinnon has 28 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by three distinct routes that facilitate a total of 1,909 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents typically situated just 170 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most McKinnon residents commute outward using cars (79%), while 12% use trains. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a significant 47.3% of residents work from home, which may be attributed to COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 272 trips across all routes, translating to roughly 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

McKinnon's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

McKinnon's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment as of June 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,616 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.3 and 6.1% of residents respectively, while 76.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. As of June 2021, 15.4% of residents were aged 65 and over (1,176 people). Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

McKinnon is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

McKinnon has high cultural diversity, with 40.0% of its population born overseas and 35.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in McKinnon, comprising 34.2% of people. Judaism is overrepresented at 10.1%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.5%), Australian (16.8%), and Other (13.1%). Russian (2.2%) is notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.4%. Polish also has a higher representation at 1.9% versus 0.8%, as does French at 0.8% against the regional average of 0.5%.

McKinnon's population is slightly older than the national pattern

McKinnon has a median age of 40, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's 38 years. The 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in McKinnon at 16.3%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 14.3% to 15.5%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.8% to 4.9%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group has declined from 16.5% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests McKinnon's age profile will significantly evolve, with the 45-54 cohort projected to expand by 386 people (31%), growing from 1,245 to 1,632.