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 and AreaSearch validation, the population of the suburb of Montrose (Vic.) is estimated at approximately 6,880 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 20 individuals from the 2021 Census total of 6,900 people, reflecting a reduction of 0.3%. The current population estimate, based on AreaSearch's examination of latest ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of six new addresses since the Census date, is inferred from the resident population figure of 6,875. This results in a density ratio of 623 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. The primary driver of population growth in recent periods has been overseas migration.

AreaSearch employs 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 utilises 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends anticipate a growth rate close to the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected increase of 335 persons in the suburb of Montrose (Vic.) by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 4.8% over the 17-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 received approximately 4 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 21 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period suggests new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $516,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year, $5.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Montrose's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Montrose has markedly lower building activity (85.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining Montrose's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1376 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Montrose is forecasted to gain 329 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include 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 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Montrose significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Montrose has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being prominent. The unemployment rate is 2.3% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%.

This rate is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, while workforce participation is also lower, at 68.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant portion, 26.4%, of residents work from home, though this may be influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force increased by 0.6%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Montrose's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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 ended June 2023 shows median income in Montrose suburb 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 rate of 8.25% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Montrose would be approximately $60,421 and average income would be around $73,456 by then. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Montrose cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 33.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is similar to metropolitan region's 32.8%. Housing expenditure accounts for 13.4% of income. Montrose residents rank high in disposable income, placing them within the 75th percentile nationally, and the suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it 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 such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Montrose was at 37.7%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (53.5%) or rented (8.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $365, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Montrose's median monthly mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 percent of all households, including 42.6 percent couples with children, 27.4 percent couples without children, and 8.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.7 percent, with lone person households at 19.3 percent and group households making up 1.3 percent of the total. 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 account for 12.5% and certificates for 28.6%.

Educational participation is high at 27.1%, including 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 serving buses. These stops are covered by 16 different routes, offering a total of 1,605 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 370 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

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

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

Health data for Montrose shows positive outcomes overall, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,691 people), slightly leading the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues affect 8.9% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.5%. Around 66.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. Montrose has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 19.5% (1,341 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. National rankings for health outcomes in the area 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 population shows lower cultural diversity, with 85.1% born in Australia and 92.7% being citizens. English is the language spoken at home by 95.0%. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 42.6% of Montrose residents.

Notably, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (31.2%) and English (30.6%) are significantly higher than regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1%, respectively. Scottish ancestry stands at 8.0%. Dutch ethnicity is notably overrepresented at 3.7% compared to the region's 1.2%. Hungarian and Welsh ethnicities also show slight overrepresentation at 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 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 of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Montrose has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.5% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group increased from 13.1% to 14.5%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 11.2% to 10.1%, and the 65-74 age group fell from 10.2% to 9.1%. By 2041, Montrose's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 82%, adding 174 residents to reach a total of 388. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 56% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.