Mentone

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

As of February 2026, the population of Mentone is estimated at around 13,997, reflecting an increase of 800 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,197. This growth represents a 6.1% increase and is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 13,919 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with an additional 108 validated new addresses since the Census date. Mentone's population density stands at 3,103 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This growth exceeds the SA3 area average of 5.6%, marking Mentone as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Mentone are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Mentone is projected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 1,889 persons to reach a total of 15,886 residents, reflecting a gain of 12.9% over the 17-year period.

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 shows Mentone averaged around 42 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 210 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 0.5 new residents per year have been arriving per new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average development value of new dwellings is $632,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals have totaled $129.8 million, 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 in the 54th percentile nationally for areas assessed. This is below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints.

New development in Mentone comprises 37.0% detached dwellings and 63.0% townhouses or apartments, favoring compact living options that cater to affordability, downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mentone is projected to add 1,811 residents by 2041. 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include the 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 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.

Mentone has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Mentone has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 7,790 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Mentone is 69.3%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A high proportion of residents, 39.5%, work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

However, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with only 2.8% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Many Mentone residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the year up to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, and employment fell by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a potential five-year growth of 6.7% and ten-year growth of 13.8% for Mentone, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Mentone had a median income among taxpayers of $60,522 with an average level standing at $79,988. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the respective levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mentone would be approximately $65,515 (median) and $86,587 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 77th percentile ($981 weekly), while household income sits at the 58th percentile. The earnings profile shows that the largest segment comprises 29.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,087 residents). This aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings still 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Mentone, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, comprised 44.0% houses and 56.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $392, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Mentone's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported in the 2017 Housing Industry Association - Bankwest Housing Finance Report, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375, based on data from the 2016 Census.

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

Family households constitute 64.8% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 of 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 comprise 12.8% while certificates make up 16.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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 indicates 62 operational stops in Mentone, serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by 17 distinct routes, facilitating 3,539 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 206 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 83%, with train use at 8%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.1, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.5% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 505 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mentone's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mentone.

AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~8,172 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.1 and 7.8% of residents respectively. A total of 69.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,037 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 shows higher overseas birth rates at 29.6%, compared to most local markets, with 20.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mentone, accounting for 47.4%. Judaism's representation stands at 0.9%, slightly above Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (26.0%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (9.8%). Notably, Russian (1.1%) and Polish (1.1%) populations exceed regional averages of 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively, while Hungarian representation is slightly higher at 0.4%.

Mentone's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Mentone is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, and also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 7.9% of Mentone's population, compared to the 6.7% in Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.9%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 6.7% to 7.9%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 10.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Mentone. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 56%, reaching 1,724 people from the current 1,105. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting Mentone's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.