Rosanna

Population growth drivers in Rosanna are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Rosanna is around 9,015, reflecting a 4.6% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,616. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 8,996 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 102 validated new addresses since the Census date. Rosanna's population density stands at 2,651 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate of 4.6% since census is within 0.9 percentage points of its SA3 area (5.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projections for Rosanna, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, predict exceptional growth over the period to 2041, with an expected increase of 4,186 persons reflecting a total increase of 46.2%.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 4,186 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting reflecting an increase of 46.2% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Rosanna according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Rosanna has averaged approximately 49 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 249 homes were approved, with an additional 56 approvals so far in FY-26. The population decline over recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $468,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In the current financial year, $20.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne. Rosanna shows 17.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 66th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 81.0% houses. This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Rosanna has around 209 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Rosanna is expected to grow by approximately 4,167 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.

Rosanna has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Rosanna Village Masterplan & Redevelopment, North East Link, Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, and The Austin Heidelberg. Below is a list of those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Rosanna demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Rosanna has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment stability was maintained over the past year.

As of December 2025, 4968 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% and workforce participation at 69.9%, similar to Greater Melbourne. Census data shows 45.4% work from home, possibly impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force by 0.7%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rosanna's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows median income in Rosanna suburb is $59,176 and average income is $84,689. Greater Melbourne has median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $64,869 and average income around $92,836 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ended June 2023. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, incomes in Rosanna rank high nationally, between the 76th and 78th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets reveal that 27.9% of locals (2,515 people) earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 32.8%. Notably, 37.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing expenses account for 13.5% of income, and residents rank high in disposable income at the 81st percentile. Rosanna's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile nationally.

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

Rosanna's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.2% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rosanna stood at 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented ones at 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,482, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Rosanna was $421, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Rosanna's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,482 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rosanna has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 72.5% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, matching the Greater Melbourne average.

Rosanna shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Rosanna has a notably high educational attainment, with 48.5% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 32.8%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in the variety of qualifications held by its residents: bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (6.0%). Vocational pathways are also popular, with advanced diplomas accounting for 9.5% and certificates for 13.2%.

Educational participation is high in Rosanna, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rosanna has 45 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. Six different routes serve these stops, together offering 2942 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 191 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Rosanna, predominantly by car (80%), followed by train (11%). On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 45.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 420 trips per day, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Rosanna is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population across older, at risk cohorts

Rosanna demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment as of June 2022. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 60% of Rosanna's total population of 5,428 people having it, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 56.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions in Rosanna, impacting 7.8% and 7.4% of residents respectively as of June 2021. A total of 70.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments as of June 2022, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 72.6%. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. Rosanna has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 20.2% (1,821 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%, though it ranks lower nationally than the broader population as of June 2022.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Rosanna was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rosanna's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.1% born overseas and 24.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rosanna, comprising 47.7% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.1% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.9%), Australian (20.4%), and Italian (9.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Hungarian at 0.4% in Rosanna versus 0.3% regionally, Macedonian at 0.9% versus 0.7%, and Croatian at 0.9% versus 0.7%.

Rosanna's median age exceeds the national pattern

Rosanna's median age is 41 years, which is notably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Rosanna has a significantly higher proportion of individuals aged 45-54 (14.7% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.5%). Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 10.3% to 12.0%, while those aged 45-54 grew from 13.6% to 14.7%. Conversely, the age group of 5-14 decreased from 14.0% to 13.1%. Future demographic trends indicate significant changes in Rosanna's age profile by 2041. Notably, the 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 58%, adding 773 residents and reaching a total of 2,099 individuals.