Pearcedale

Pearcedale 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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Pearcedale is around 4,061, reflecting an increase of 194 people since the 2021 Census. The population was reported as 3,867 in the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,048 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 120 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed about 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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, 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 of Pearcedale is expected to increase its population by around 250 persons, reflecting a total increase of approximately 4.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Pearcedale, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Pearcedale has recorded approximately 16 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 81 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.5 new residents arrive per year for each new home over these five years, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand and supports potential population growth while offering greater buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $542,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature.

Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving Pearcedale's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is 358 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Pearcedale is projected to gain 161 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: Western Port Highway Upgrade. Key projects include Botanic Ridge Estate, 82 Edward Street Residential Development, and 46-48 Edward Street Townhouses. 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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Employment conditions in Pearcedale demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Pearcedale has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent. In the past year, ending September 2025, Pearcedale's unemployment rate was 3.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%.

This is below Greater Melbourne's unemployment rate of 4.7% and matches its workforce participation rate of 71.0%. As of that date, 2,279 residents were employed. Approximately 20.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Key industries for Pearcedale residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area specializes in construction employment, with a share that is 2.2 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence, at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the number of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while the labour force grew by 4.5%, causing a slight decrease in unemployment rate (-0.2 percentage points). In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, with a labour force growth of 3.3% and an increase in unemployment (0.3 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Pearcedale. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years, this figure increases to 13.7%. Applying these projections to Pearcedale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years. However, these figures are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Pearcedale is below the national average. The median income is $51,668 and the average income is $63,041. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Pearcedale would be approximately $55,931 (median) and $68,242 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household income ranks at the 65th percentile ($2,009 weekly), while personal income sits at the 46th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 35.2% of the population (1,429 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Pearcedale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pearcedale stood at 37.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.9% and rented ones at 10.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,020, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Pearcedale was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Pearcedale's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 83.9% of all households, including 40.9% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.1%, with lone person households at 15.1% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Pearcedale shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 31.9%. Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.6% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

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

Pearcedale has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by two routes that together provide 403 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Pearcedale is limited, with residents typically located 617 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 95%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.3, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 57 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Pearcedale's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Pearcedale's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,102 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.0%) and arthritis (8.5%). 68.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 2021, 18.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (763 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Pearcedale's cultural diversity was below average, with 87.9% born in Australia and 92.3% being citizens. English was spoken by 95.7% at home. Christianity dominated at 39.6%.

Judaism was underrepresented at 0.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. Top ancestral groups were English (33.0%), Australian (32.3%), and Scottish (8.4%). Dutch, Serbian, and Hungarian groups showed notable overrepresentation in Pearcedale.

Pearcedale's median age exceeds the national pattern

Pearcedale's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Pearcedale has a notably higher proportion of the 55-64 cohort (14.6% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.4%). As per the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.5% to 6.4%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.3% to 12.6% and the 25-34 group decreased from 11.7% to 10.4%. By 2041, Pearcedale's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 47%, adding 123 residents to reach a total of 383. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 86% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts.