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 of November 2025, the population of the Montrose (Vic.) statistical area is estimated at around 6,880 people, a decrease of 20 individuals (0.3%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,900 people. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data from June 2024 ABS ERP release, indicating a population of 6,875 with an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 623 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space for further development. Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population growth in the area. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Montrose (Vic.) (SA2) is expected to increase its population by approximately 336 persons to reach a total of around 7,216 people by the year 2041. This reflects an anticipated growth rate 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 5 financial years. This totals an estimated 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, offering good choice to buyers.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $516,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $5.8 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Montrose's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Montrose records significantly lower building activity (85.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of 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 1376 people. Population forecasts indicate Montrose will gain 330 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact the area. 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 particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 1.3% in the past year.

As of September 2025, 3638 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is at par with Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & 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% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force by 0.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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, though this is a simple extrapolation 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 ended June 2023 shows median income in Montrose is $55,816 and average income is $67,858. Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,421 (median) and $73,456 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023. Census 2021 data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Montrose are around the 65th percentile nationally. Income brackets show 33.7% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (2,318 individuals), similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing accounts for 13.4% of income. Montrose residents rank in the 75th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the 7th decile.

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

Montrose's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Montrose was 37.7%, similar to Melbourne metro's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (53.5%) or rented (8.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Montrose was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Montrose was $365, lower than Melbourne metro's $380 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 79.3% of all households, including 42.6% that are couples with children, 27.4% that are couples without children, and 8.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.7%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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 prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (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 city's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 370 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages 229 trips per day, which equates to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Montrose are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Montrose shows lower-than-average health outcomes, with common conditions more prevalent than average among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is at approximately 54%, covering about 3,691 residents. Mental health issues affect 8.9% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.5%. About 66.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.9% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,307 people.

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

Montrose, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population at 85.1%. It was also highly homogeneous with regard to citizenship, with 92.7% being citizens, and English language use, with 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.6% of Montrose's population in this year.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.2% versus 0.1%. Ancestry wise, Australian (31.2%), English (30.6%), and Scottish (8.0%) were the top three represented groups in Montrose's population. Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences from regional norms: Dutch at 3.7% compared to 3.2%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.6% against 0.5%.

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 somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Montrose has a notably over-represented cohort of 5-14 year-olds (14.2% locally) and an under-represented group of 25-34 year-olds (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.2% of Montrose's population. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 10.2% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Montrose's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 88%, adding 181 residents to reach 388. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 59% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts.