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

The population of the suburb of McKinnon is estimated at around 7,692 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 814 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,878 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,676 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 125 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,868 persons per square kilometer, placing McKinnon in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 11.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.0%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for McKinnon was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The suburb of McKinnon is expected to grow by 1,585 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 20.4% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees McKinnon among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, McKinnon experienced approximately 46 dwelling approvals annually, with an estimated 233 homes approved between FY-21 and FY-25. As of FY-26, 29 dwellings have been approved. Each new dwelling resulted in an average of 2.8 new residents over the past five financial years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost for new homes was $765,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $6.4 million, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, McKinnon's building activity per capita is similar, maintaining market balance with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprised 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 59.0% houses. This change may be due to reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands.

McKinnon has approximately 214 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,569 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with projected growth, though heightened competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones 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 most likely to be 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 a highly educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment grew by an estimated 0.9% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 47.3% of residents worked from home, influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical employment is at 1.5 times the regional average, while construction employs only 6.2% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, with labour force growth at 0.8%, keeping unemployment stable.

In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4% and labour force by 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McKinnon's employment mix suggests 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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. In McKinnon suburb, median income among taxpayers was $61,006 and average level stood at $85,199. These figures were 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 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for McKinnon would be approximately $66,875 (median) and $93,395 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in McKinnon ranked highly nationally, between the 75th and 88th percentiles. Distribution data showed 27.6% of the population (2,122 individuals) fell within the $4000+ income range, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 32.8%. The substantial proportion of high earners (40.8% above $3,000/week) indicated strong economic capacity throughout the district. High housing costs consumed 16.1% of income, though strong earnings still placed disposable income at the 86th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in McKinnon, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.0% houses and 41.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in McKinnon was at 31.8%, similar to 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 $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $516, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 account for 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, which is 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

Educational attainment in McKinnon is notably high, with 49.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This compares to national figures of 30.4% for Australia and 33.4% for Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 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+, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 10.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the reported period. 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

Public transport analysis shows 28 active transport stops in McKinnon, all serving buses. These stops are covered by three routes, offering a total of 1,909 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 170 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 79%, while train accounts for 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 47.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 272 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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

AreaSearch's assessment shows McKinnon has excellent health outcomes based on mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,647 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.3%) and mental health issues (6.1%). 76.4% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. McKinnon has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,161 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for 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 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 predominant religion in McKinnon, making up 34.2% of people. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 10.1% of the population compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (19.5%), Australian (16.8%), and Other (13.1%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Russian is overrepresented at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Polish at 1.9% versus 0.8%, and French at 0.8% against a regional average of 0.5%.

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. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented in McKinnon at 16.2%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 14.3% to 15.6% of McKinnon's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 16.5% to 15.2%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 17.3% to 16.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in McKinnon's age profile. The 45 to 54 age cohort is expected to expand by 368 people (30%), growing from 1,246 to 1,615. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age group is projected to grow modestly by 10%, adding 27 people.