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 validations, the Research statistical area's population is estimated at around 2,841 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 146 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,695 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 2,813 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with 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. The Research's 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 adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting with weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, the Research is forecasted to expand by 768 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.9% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data indicates an average of approximately 4 new dwelling approvals annually in Research over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 24 homes from FY-18 to FY-22. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. On average, about 1.1 new residents per year have arrived with each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balance between supply and demand in the market.

The average construction value for new properties is around $772,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $2.8 million, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Research has approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile nationally in terms of assessed areas, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. Recent development in Research has been exclusively detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is around 700 people, reflecting the area's quiet and low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Research is projected to grow by 736 residents by 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 in the future.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include the 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 has a well-educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented.

The unemployment rate is 1.7%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,645 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 69.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction employment is notably concentrated, with levels 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. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2%, labour force grew by 0.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.0% 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, assuming constant population growth.

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 AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Research is $60,055 and the average income stands at $97,688. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 and average income is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30, 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,010 (median) and $105,747 (average). According to the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, 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) have weekly incomes of $4000 or more, unlike surrounding regions where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Higher earners are prevalent in Research, with 48.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. 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

Research's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 93.9% houses and 6.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Research stood at 46.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (47.5%) or rented (5.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent was recorded at $431, equal to Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, Research's mortgage repayments were 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 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, which is 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 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 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 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. These are served by buses on three different routes. Together, these routes provide 947 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 453 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 135 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 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 above-average health outcomes for both young and old age cohorts, with low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (1,854 people), compared to 60.9% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.2 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 70.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 70.6% across Greater Melbourne.

The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (571 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Research found cultural diversity to be below average, with 85.7% born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 44.9%. 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%) Hungarian (0.4%) and Scottish (9.3%) were notably overrepresented.

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 the national norm of 38. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation in Research at 15.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent in Research at 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.5% of Research's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 7.5% to 6.1%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 15.1% to 13.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Research's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 32%, adding 123 people and reaching 513 from its current figure of 389. The 0 to 4 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 3%, with an increase of just 4 residents.