Research

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of the suburb of Research is around 2,841 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 146 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,695 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,813 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 272 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb's 5.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 754 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Research has averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 24 homes. As of now in FY-26, zero approvals have been recorded. Each year, about 1.4 new residents arrive per new home on average, indicating a balance between supply and demand and stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $772,000, suggesting a focus on premium segment development with upmarket homes. This financial year has seen $2.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Research shows around 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes.

This level is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All recent development has consisted solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 700 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Research is projected to grow by 726 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Research has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Kangaroo Ground Landfill Rehabilitation, Eltham-Yarra Glen Road and Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Road Safety Improvements, Kangaroo Ground Cemetery Extension, and intersection maintenance works at Kangaroo Ground. 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 of employment trends sees Research performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Research features a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,661 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Census responses indicate that 37.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment are construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services, with a notable concentration in construction at 1.6 times the regional average. Manufacturing has limited presence, with 4.7% employment compared to 7.2% regionally.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, labour force by 1.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's employment rise of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Research. Applying these projections to Research's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Research has one of the highest income levels nationally, according to latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Research is $60,055, while the average income stands at $97,688. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,010 (median) and $105,747 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Research rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 95th percentiles. The data shows that 32.8% of Research's population (931 individuals) have weekly incomes of $4000 or more, unlike surrounding regions where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Higher earners make up a substantial portion in Research, with 48.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. After housing costs, residents retain 90.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Research's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Research stood at 46.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.5% and rented ones at 5.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent was $431, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Research's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 85.2% of all households, including 49.1% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.8%, consisting of 13.7% lone person households and 1.0% group households. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Research places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 36.6% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 11.0%, while certificates account for 20.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Research has 19 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by three routes, collectively providing 947 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 453 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with car being the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 37.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 135 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Research shows exceptional health outcomes in AreaSearch based on assessments of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 65% of the total population (1,854 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are asthma (8.2%) and arthritis (7.7%), while 70.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.

Under-65 residents show better-than-average health outcomes. AreaSearch has 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (599 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, mirroring the general population.

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

Research showed cultural diversity levels below average, with 85.7% born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 44.9%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 1.0% regionally.

For ancestry, English (28.1%) and Australian (26.9%) were substantially higher than regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4% respectively. Irish ancestry was also notable at 9.9%. Divergences included Dutch (2.4%, vs regional 1.2%), Hungarian (0.4%, vs 0.3%), and Scottish (9.3%, vs 5.6%).

Research hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Research has a median age of 44, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 15.7% of Research's population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort comprises only 5.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.4% to 6.2%, and the 65-74 cohort has grown from 11.9% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 7.5% to 5.9%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 15.1% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Research's age profile will change significantly. Leading this shift, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 126 people and reaching 516 from its current total of 389. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 9%, with an increase of just 11 residents.