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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of McKinnon's estimated population is around 7,640 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 762 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,878. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 7,606 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,835 persons per square kilometer, placing McKinnon in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 11.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (8.7%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 the former data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected nationally, with McKinnon expected to grow by 1,681 persons, reflecting a gain of 18.9% 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. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 234 homes were approved, with a further 23 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. However, this figure has intensified to 5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $765,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $6.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. When measured against Greater Melbourne, McKinnon shows comparable building activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards compact living to offer affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix of 59.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 203 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market with population forecasts estimating McKinnon will gain 1,446 residents through to 2041 based on 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects that could affect the area. 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 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 strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Over the past year, employment stability was relative.

As of September 2025, 4,124 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high 47.3% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.5 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Construction employs only 6.2% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, labour force by 1.1%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest McKinnon's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, McKinnon suburb had a median taxpayer income of $61,006 and an average income of $85,199. These figures rank among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $66,039 (median) and $92,228 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, McKinnon's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 75th and 88th percentiles. Income distribution shows 27.6% of residents earning over $4,000 per week, differing from Melbourne's broader pattern where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 32.8%. A substantial proportion, 40.8%, earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in McKinnon, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.0% houses and 41.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in McKinnon stood at 31.8%, similar to Melbourne metro, with the rest being mortgaged (34.8%) or rented (33.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment 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 versus 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, consisting of 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 making up 2.3% of the total. 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

In McKinnon, educational attainment is notably high, with 49.4% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. The area's strong educational background positions it well 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 years and above, 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. 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

The analysis of public transportation in McKinnon shows that there are currently 28 operational transit stops serving the area. These stops facilitate a variety of bus routes, with three specific routes being active. Together, these routes accommodate a total of 1,909 passenger trips each week. The accessibility to public transport is considered excellent, as residents on average live within 170 meters of their nearest transit stop. In this predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outward from McKinnon. The primary mode of transportation for these residents is the car, used by 79% of them.

Meanwhile, only 12% of residents use the train for their commutes. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in McKinnon. According to data from the 2021 Census, a significant portion of residents, specifically 47.3%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The frequency of service across all routes averages at 272 trips per day, translating to 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 found McKinnon had low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and old age cohorts. The most prevalent medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.3% and 6.1% of residents respectively.

Around 76.4% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Approximately 60% of McKinnon's total population (4,616 people) had private health cover, higher than the 56.7% average in Greater Melbourne. The area has around 15.2% residents aged 65 and over (1,161 people), with health outcomes among seniors being above average and broadly in line 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 main religion in McKinnon, comprising 34.2% of people. Judaism is overrepresented, making up 10.1%, which is substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.5%), Australian (16.8%), and Other (13.1%). Notably, Russian (2.2% vs regional 0.4%) and Polish (1.9% vs regional 0.8%) are overrepresented, while French is slightly above the regional average at 0.8%.

McKinnon's population is slightly older than the national pattern

McKinnon has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in McKinnon at 16.4%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 14.3% to 15.6% of McKinnon's population, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 17.3% to 16.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that McKinnon's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 354 people (28%), growing from 1,252 to 1,607 individuals.