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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for the McKinnon statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,638. This reflects an increase of 760 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,878. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 7,606 in June 2024 and validation of 124 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 4,834 persons per square kilometer, placing McKinnon (SA2) in the top 10% nationally based on AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate of 11.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region at 8.5% and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% 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 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the McKinnon (SA2) is projected to grow by 1,683 persons, reflecting a total gain of 19.0% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in McKinnon shows around 46 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 234 homes were approved, with an additional 23 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $765,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, $6.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When measured against Greater Melbourne, McKinnon shows comparable building activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 203 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate McKinnon will gain 1,450 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

McKinnon has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the local area's performance. Key projects include the 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 most likely to be 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 assessment positions McKinnon ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

McKinnon has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%.

As of September 2025, 4,139 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was 67.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment was concentrated in professional & technical (1.5 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Construction employed only 6.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McKinnon's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, McKinnon suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $61,006 and an average level of $85,199. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Melbourne's levels of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,039 (median) and $92,228 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in McKinnon rank highly nationally, between the 75th and 88th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows 27.6% of the population falls within the $4000+ range, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.8%. A substantial proportion of high earners (40.8% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity in the district. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 86th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

McKinnon displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in McKinnon, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 59.0% houses and 41.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in McKinnon was at 31.8%, aligning with Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (34.8%) or rented (33.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,689, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,396. The median weekly rent figure in McKinnon was recorded at $516, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, McKinnon's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 20.0%, with lone person households at 17.7% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

McKinnon has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 49.4% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. This educational advantage is reflected in the types of qualifications held: bachelor degrees are most common at 31.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational pathways also play a significant role, with advanced diplomas accounting for 10.3% and certificates for 10.1%. Educational participation is particularly high in McKinnon, 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

Transport analysis shows 28 active stops operating in McKinnon, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are served by 3 individual routes, providing a total of 1,909 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 272 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per stop.

McKinnon's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows outstanding results across McKinnon, with younger cohorts particularly seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,614 people), compared to 65.8% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.3 and 6.1% of residents respectively, while 76.4% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2021 data, 14.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,099 people), which is lower than the 16.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, despite being above average.

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 a high level of 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 compared to Greater Melbourne's average, but still comprises only 10.1% of McKinnon's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.5%), Australian (16.8%), and Other (13.1%). Russian, Polish, and French ethnic groups show notable differences in representation compared to regional averages: Russian is at 2.2% vs 2.2%, Polish at 1.9% vs 3.1%, and French remains the same at 0.8%.

McKinnon's population is slightly older than the national pattern

McKinnon's median age is 40, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented in McKinnon at 16.4%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 14.3% to 15.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 17.3% to 16.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests McKinnon's age profile will significantly change. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 352 people (28%), growing from 1,252 to 1,605. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow modestly by 8%, adding 21 people.