Montrose (Vic.)

Montrose is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Montrose (Vic.) as of May 2026 is around 6,858. This figure represents a decrease of 42 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,900. The current population density stands at 621 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Population growth in Montrose was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 282 persons, reflecting a total growth of 4.1% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Montrose is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Montrose has experienced approximately 4 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 21 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. The average construction cost value of new homes is $516,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, $5.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Montrose's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Montrose has significantly lower building activity (85.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's development activity is also below the national average, suggesting its established character and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity comprises entirely detached dwellings, maintaining Montrose's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1375 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Montrose is forecasted to gain 282 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Montrose has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of a region is greatly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 12 such projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are the Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, Sherbrooke Children's Centre Services, Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, and Liverpool Road Shared User Path. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis places Montrose well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Montrose has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%. As of December 2025, 3648 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne at 69.9%. Notably, 26.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include construction, healthcare & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force grew by 1.5%, resulting in a unemployment rate decrease of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Montrose's industry mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Montrose is $55,816 and average income is $67,858. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Montrose would be approximately $61,185 and average income $74,386 by that date. Census 2021 data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Montrose fall around the 65th percentile nationally. Income brackets show 33.7% of residents earn between $1,500 - $2,999 (2,311 individuals), similar to Melbourne's metropolitan region at 32.8%. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income. Montrose residents rank in the 75th percentile for disposable income and have a SEIFA income ranking in the 7th decile.

Montrose is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Montrose, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Montrose stood at 37.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (53.5%) or rented (8.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $365, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Montrose's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Montrose features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 79.3% of all households, including 42.6% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.7%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Montrose exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 23.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 28.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.1% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Montrose has 38 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 1,605 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically living 370 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Montrose's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling in Montrose, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 26.4%, work from home, which may be reflective of COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 229 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Montrose's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Montrose's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent in Montrose across both younger and older age cohorts compared to averages, with approximately 54% of residents having private health cover (~3680 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (affecting 8.9%) and asthma (8.5%). Sixty-six point seven percent of Montrose residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes among working-age residents in Montrose are typical. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 19.2% (1316 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. National rankings for health outcomes in Montrose are broadly in line with the general population.

Montrose is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Montrose's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Montrose, comprising 42.6% of people. However, Judaism showed notable overrepresentation, making up 0.2% of Montrose's population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, Australian origins were most prevalent at 31.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%. English ancestry followed closely at 30.6%, exceeding the regional average of 20.1%. Scottish ancestry was also notable at 8.0%. Other ethnic groups with significant divergences included Dutch, overrepresented at 3.7% in Montrose versus 1.2% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% (versus 0.3%), and Welsh at 0.6% (versus 0.4%).

Montrose's median age exceeds the national pattern

Montrose's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and slightly above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne's average, Montrose has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 5-14 (14.3% vs. 12.6%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (10.0% vs. 17.9%). According to the 2021 Census, Montrose's age distribution has shifted since 2016: the 5-14 cohort increased from 13.1% to 14.3%, the 15-24 cohort rose from 11.1% to 12.2%, while the 25-34 cohort decreased from 11.2% to 10.0%. By 2041, Montrose's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 85%, adding 156 residents to reach a total of 342. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 55% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are forecasted for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.