Mentone

Mentone has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Mentone statistical area (Lv2) is around 13,990, showing an increase of 793 people since the 2021 Census. The population was recorded as 13,197 in 2021. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 13,919 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 3,102 persons per square kilometer, placing Mentone in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Mentone's growth of 6.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 5.6%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is using 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Mentone (SA2) is projected to increase by 1,885 persons, reflecting a total gain of 13.0% over the 17-year period, based on aggregated SA2-level projections indicating above median population growth for statistical areas across the nation.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mentone according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Mentone averaged approximately 42 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 210 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.5 new residents per year arrived per new home.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and facilitating population growth that may surpass current projections. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings was $632,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, Mentone has seen $129.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mentone has roughly two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 54th percentile nationally, which is below average. This suggests maturity in the area and possible planning constraints.

New development in Mentone consists of approximately 37.0% detached dwellings and 63.0% townhouses or apartments, leaning towards compact living options that offer affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has around 297 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Future projections estimate Mentone will add approximately 1,816 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Mentone has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified twelve projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Frankston Line Level Crossing Removal Program, Moorabbin Airport Master Plan Redevelopment, 58 Levanto Street Townhouses, and 156 Balcombe Road Apartments. 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.

Employment performance in Mentone has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Mentone has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 5.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 7,808 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Mentone is relatively standard at 66.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

However, transport, postal & warehousing has a limited presence with only 2.8% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Despite local employment opportunities, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.5% in Mentone while employment decreased by 1.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Mentone. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mentone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

In financial year 2023, Mentone had a median taxpayer income of $60,522 and an average income of $79,988. These figures are higher than the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for Greater Melbourne. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,515 (median) and $86,587 (average), based on an 8.25% increase from the financial year 2023 figures. Census data indicates that personal income ranks at the 77th percentile ($981 weekly) and household income at the 58th percentile in Mentone. The largest earnings segment comprises 29.2% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,085 individuals), which is similar to the surrounding region's 32.8%. Housing costs consume 16.0% of income in Mentone, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Mentone displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Mentone, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, comprised 44.0% houses and 56.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metropolitan area's 54.8% houses and 45.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mentone stood at 32.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $392, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Mentone's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 25 June 2021, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Mentone features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.8% of all households, consisting of 27.5% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Mentone places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 39.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.8% while certificates make up 16.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.3% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 5.3% 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 reveals 62 active transport stops operating within Mentone. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 17 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 3539 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 505 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mentone's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Mentone's health data shows positive results with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 58% (~8,168 people) have private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (8.1%) and asthma (7.8%), while 69.2% report no medical ailments compared to 70.4% in Greater Melbourne. Mentone has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.0% (2,937 people), than Greater Melbourne's 19.3%. Seniors' health outcomes are above average and better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mentone was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mentone's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 29.6% born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mentone, making up 47.4%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.9% versus 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (9.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Russian (1.1% vs regional 1%) and Polish (1.1% vs regional 1%) were overrepresented, while Hungarian remained similar at 0.4%.

Mentone's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Mentone is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The age group of 45-54 years shows strong representation at 14.6% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.9% to 11.6%, but the 25-34 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, Mentone's population is forecasted to undergo substantial demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 66%, reaching 1,715 people from the current 1,035. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting Mentone's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.