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 2,851 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 156 people (5.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,695 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,847 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 273 persons per square kilometer. Research's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.3%), 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, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 779 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 25.9% 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

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 from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 22 homes. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.2 new residents per year arrive for each new home approved during this period.

This indicates a balance between supply and demand, fostering stable market dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average value of $772,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $5.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Research shows approximately 65% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing homes. The area's established nature is indicated by its level being under the national average, potentially suggesting 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. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Research is expected to grow by 737 residents through to 2041. 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch 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 strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 1.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,662 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation stands at 69.0%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. 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, however, has limited presence with 4.7% employment compared to the regional average of 7.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Research's median income among taxpayers was $60,055 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $97,688 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest that Research's median income would be approximately $67,358, with an average of $109,567, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. 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 (935 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, unlike trends in the surrounding region where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 48.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 90.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power in the area. Research'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

The latest Census evaluation showed that 98.6% of dwellings in Research were houses, with the remaining 1.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 93.9% houses and 6.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Research stood at 46.7%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 47.5% and rented ones at 5.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300 in Research, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure for Research was $431, matching Melbourne metro's figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Research's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 2.9.

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 at 36.6% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 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 at 11.0% and certificates at 20.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education. The area's educational provision includes Research Primary School and Eltham College, serving a total of 837 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1121. The educational mix comprises one primary school and one K-12 school. As an education hub, the area offers 29.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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, totaling three individual routes that collectively facilitate 755 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transports is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 453 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 107 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Research shows superior health results for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates of common health issues. In this area, approximately 65% of the total population of 1861 has private health cover, surpassing Greater Melbourne's 60.1% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 8.2% of residents) and arthritis (7.7%), with 70.6% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's figure.

As of 20xx (exact year not specified), 20.0% of the population is aged 65 and over, comprising 570 individuals. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in this area exceed those of 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 was 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%. However, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (28.1%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (9.9%). Dutch (2.4%) and Hungarian (0.4%) were notably overrepresented in Research, while Scottish was slightly higher at 9.3%.

Research hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Research has a median age of 44, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 15.7% of Research's population, compared to Greater Melbourne. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort represents only 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.5%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 15.1% to 13.6%. The 25-34 group has also dropped from 7.5% to 6.1%. 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 127 people and reaching 515 from its current total of 387. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 4%, with an increase of just 5 residents.