Mount Duneed

Mount Duneed lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

By Feb 2026, Mount Duneed's population is estimated at around 9,462. This reflects an increase of 3,280 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,182. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 9,367 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 1,429 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 181 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mount Duneed's growth rate exceeded both the Rest of Vic (8.1%) and the national average between the 2021 Census and Feb 2026. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 68% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments using weighted aggregation methods. Considering these projections, exceptional growth is predicted for Mount Duneed over the period to 2041, placing it in the top 10 percent of locations outside capital cities. The area is expected to grow by 4,304 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 19.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mount Duneed among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Mount Duneed shows around 442 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling an estimated 2,214 homes. As of FY-26221 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded during this period. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new homes was $412,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $61.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment.

Recent construction comprises 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Mount Duneed's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. With around 20 people per approval, Mount Duneed reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mount Duneed is expected to grow by 1,854 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Mount Duneed has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Ashbury Estate, Armstrong Creek Town Centre, Barwon Heads Road Upgrade, and Armstrong Creek Mixed Use Precinct at 465 Surf Coast Highway. 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.

Employment conditions in Mount Duneed demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Mount Duneed's workforce is well-educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 2.0%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. There were 4,031 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census responses indicated that a moderate 23.5% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with notable concentration in the latter at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.2%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 1.0 as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% and employment declined by 0.8%, causing a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 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, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mount Duneed's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Mount Duneed had a median income among taxpayers of $69,958 with an average level of $87,372. This is amongst the highest in Australia compared to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Rest of Vic., respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $75,730 (median) and $94,580 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes rank highly in Mount Duneed at the 81st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 41.3% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 81st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Mount Duneed is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Mount Duneed's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 97.3% houses and 2.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Duneed stood at 21.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.5% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,983, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Mount Duneed was $446, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Mount Duneed's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,983 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Mount Duneed features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.9% of all households, including 41.4% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 16.1% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Mount Duneed shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mount Duneed's educational attainment is notably high, with 35.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications, compared to the broader benchmarks of 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 28.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.7% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 12.5% and certificates make up 23.2%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.0% in primary education, 6.6% in tertiary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 6.6% in tertiary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Mount Duneed has 24 operational public transport stops, offering a mix of train services. These are covered by 18 unique routes, facilitating 1,738 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 376 meters from their nearest transport stop. Primarily residential, most Mount Duneed residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 23.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 248 trips per day, equating to approximately 72 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mount Duneed is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Mount Duneed shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (5,796 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.0 and 8.9% of residents respectively. 73.6% of residents declare no medical ailments, higher than the 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Only 7.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (681 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mount Duneed records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Duneed's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed above-average cultural diversity with 20.2% born overseas and 15.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.1%. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 2.7%, compared to Rest of Vic's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.3%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (8.6%). Notably, Dutch (1.9% vs regional 1.7%), Croatian (0.7% vs 0.4%), and Polish (0.8% vs 0.5%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Mount Duneed compared to the broader region.

Mount Duneed hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Mount Duneed has a median age of 31, which is notably lower than the Rest of Vic's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 22.7% of Mount Duneed's population, higher than the Rest of Vic.'s percentage and significantly above the national average of 14.4%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent in Mount Duneed at 5.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 20.0% to 22.7%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 16.6% to 18.1%. During this period, the 55-64 cohort declined from 8.1% to 6.3%, and the 15-24 group decreased from 11.6% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mount Duneed's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 2,869 people from the current figure of 2,147. Meanwhile, both the 75-84 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.