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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch's validation of new addresses, the estimated population of the suburb of Research was around 2,841 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 146 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,695 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,813 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 resulted in a density ratio of 272 persons per square kilometer. Research's population growth of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.8%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these trends, the suburb of Research is expected to expand by 756 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.8% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, research has averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 24 homes. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home between FY-21 and FY-25, supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average value of $772,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

Additionally, $2.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Research shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 700 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Research is expected to grow by 734 residents through to 2041 (from 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 likely affecting 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 Kangaroo Ground intersection maintenance works. 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 has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, showing relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,646 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is 73.2%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant 37.1% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction employment is notably high 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 as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% and labour force grew by 0.1%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. 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 Research's employment mix suggests 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 only.

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, based on the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Research is $60,055, with an average income of $97,688. These figures compare to those for Greater Melbourne, which are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $65,010 and the average will be around $105,747, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to data from the 2021 Census, Research's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 95th percentiles. The data shows that 32.8% of Research's population (931 individuals) earn more than $4,000 weekly, unlike surrounding regions where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. A substantial proportion of residents, 48.0%, exceed $3,000 in weekly income, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 90.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

Dwelling structure in Research, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Research was at 46.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (47.5%) or rented (5.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Research was $431, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Research's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 versus 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 14.8%, with lone person households at 13.7% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 3.0 people, 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 that of the SA4 region at 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 account for 11.0% and certificates for 20.0%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 3 individual routes that provide 947 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility in Research is rated as moderate, with residents on average located 453 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 93% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 37.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 135 trips per day, 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's health outcomes data shows exceptional results for AreaSearch based on assessments of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 65% of the total population (1,854 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.2 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 70.6% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.

The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. AreaSearch has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (590 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 dominated as the main religion, comprising 44.9%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

Top three ancestry groups were English (28.1%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (9.9%), all higher than regional averages. Divergences included Dutch (2.4% vs 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 comprises 15.6% of Research's population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 5.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 6.2%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 7.5% to 5.9%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 15.1% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Research's age profile. Leading this shift, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 34%, adding 129 people and reaching 513 from 383. The 0-4 group will experience more modest growth of 7%, with an increase of just 9 residents.