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

The population of Montrose (Vic.), based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation, was estimated at approximately 6880 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a decrease of 20 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6900. The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population count of 6875 in June 2024 and an additional six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 623 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, 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 suburb is projected to increase by approximately 334 persons, reflecting a gain of around 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 in Montrose shows around 4 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past 5 financial years to June 2021, totalling an estimated 21 homes. As of June 2026, 6 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. In FY-26, $5.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Montrose's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Montrose records markedly lower building activity (85.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Relative to the national average, Montrose's building activity is similarly under the average, suggesting its 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 count of 1376 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Montrose will gain 329 residents through to 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 likely impacting the area. Notable ones are 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.

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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 was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%. As of December 2025, 3648 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 68.3%, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A high proportion, 26.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction showed strong specialization with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. 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 and does not account for localized population projections.

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 was $55,816 and average income was $67,858. This is comparable to national averages but lower than Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% between July 2023 and June 2025, estimated median income in Montrose as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,421 and average income $73,456. Census data from 2021 indicates incomes in Montrose cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. The most common income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999, with 33.7% of residents earning within this range (2,318 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region at 32.8%. Housing expenses account for 13.4% of income. Montrose residents have strong earnings, ranking them in the 75th percentile for disposable income. The area'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

Montrose's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Montrose was at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.5% and rented ones at 8.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Montrose was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure in Montrose was $365, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Montrose's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 79.3% of all households, consisting of 42.6% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 8.8% 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, 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 comprise 12.5% and certificates make up 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.

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 operating within its boundaries. These are serviced by 16 different routes, collectively providing 1,605 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 370 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Montrose being primarily residential. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 229 trips per day across all routes, 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

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

Approximately 54% of residents have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 8.9% and 8.5% respectively. About 66.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for working-age residents 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 indicators among older residents 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 low cultural diversity, with 85.1% born in Australia and 92.7% being citizens. English is spoken exclusively at home by 95.0%. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 42.6%.

Judaism, however, is underrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, Australians comprise 31.2% (regional average: 18.4%), English 30.6% (regional average: 20.1%), and Scottish 8.0%. Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 3.7% in Montrose (regional average: 1.2%), as are Hungarian at 0.4% (regional average: 0.3%) and Welsh at 0.6% (regional average: 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 somewhat older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Montrose has a notably over-represented 5-14 age group (14.5% locally) and an under-represented 25-34 age group (10.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group grew from 13.1% to 14.5%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 11.2% to 10.1%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 10.2% to 9.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Montrose's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the 85+ cohort showing the strongest projected growth of 83%, adding 176 residents to reach 390. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 56% of this growth, while population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts.