Mount Eliza

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mount Eliza reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As per ABS population updates for Mount Eliza's broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's estimated population is around 19,110 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 376 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,734 people. The change was inferred from the resident population estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 823 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Eliza's 2.0% growth since census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, the suburb is expected to expand by 1,835 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.6% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mount Eliza according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mount Eliza had around 51 dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21-FY25, approximately 256 homes were approved, with another 54 in FY26 as of now. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes.

Average construction cost per dwelling is $1,219,000, indicating focus on premium segment properties. Commercial approvals totalled $45.4 million in FY26. Compared nationally, Mount Eliza has roughly half the building activity per person and ranks at the 39th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (88.0%) with attached dwellings making up 12.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 441 people. Future projections estimate Mount Eliza will add 1,835 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Mount Eliza has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects expected to affect the region. Notable projects include Mount Eliza's Canadian Bay Carpark, Mount Eliza Landfill Capping Rehabilitation Works, Emil Madsen Reserve - East Pavilion in Mount Eliza, and Moondah Mansion Retirement Village. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Mount Eliza places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Mount Eliza has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 1.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%. As of December 2025, 9748 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.6% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was at 63.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 39.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Mount Eliza had a higher than average share in education & training (1.2 times the regional level), but lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, while labour force and unemployment remained relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw higher growth in employment and labour force, with a slight increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Eliza's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for Mount Eliza, released on 1st June 2023, shows median income at $61,130 and average income at $105,186. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will reach $67,011 and average income $115,305, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023. Mount Eliza's household incomes rank at the 91st percentile ($2,547 weekly), with 29.2% of locals earning over $4,000 weekly. In contrast, 32.8% of the region earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Notably, 42.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Mount Eliza's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Mount Eliza's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Eliza stood at 46.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (45.2%) or rented (8.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Mount Eliza was $512, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Mount Eliza's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.2% of all households, including 44.0% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.8%, with lone person households at 16.9% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Mount Eliza demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Mount Eliza's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (37.9%) compared to the broader SA4 region (23.5%) and SA3 area (25.0%). Bachelor degrees are most common (25.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (16.9%). Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (11.6%), secondary (10.5%), and tertiary (4.7%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Eliza has 31 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that combined offer 771 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically living 669 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 39.6%, work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 110 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Eliza's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Mount Eliza's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (13,034 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.8 and 7.0% of residents respectively. Notably, 71.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (24.3%, or 4,643 people) than Greater Melbourne (15.0%). Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Mount Eliza ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Eliza's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 77.0% born in Australia and 90.9% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 93.5%. Christianity dominated religious affiliations at 46.6%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, Mount Eliza had higher percentages of English (33.8% vs regional average 20.1%), Australian (25.3% vs 18.4%), and Irish (9.3%). Other ethnic groups notably overrepresented were Scottish at 9.1%, Welsh at 0.7%, and Dutch at 1.7%.

Mount Eliza hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Mount Eliza is 45 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mount Eliza has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (9.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.8% to 14.1%, while the 75-84 age group rose from 7.7% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 4.9% to 3.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Mount Eliza's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 102%, reaching 1,315 people from 649. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.