Rosanna

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Feb 2026, Rosanna's estimated population is around 9,127. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,616. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,059 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of 95 new addresses since the Census date. Rosanna's population density ratio is 2,684 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Rosanna demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels. Considering these projections, Rosanna is predicted to experience exceptional growth by 2041, increasing by 4,457 persons to a total population of around 13,584, reflecting an increase of approximately 49.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Rosanna recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Rosanna has averaged approximately 50 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 252 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these past five financial years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes is around $468,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, approximately $20.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Rosanna shows 16.0% lower construction activity per person while it ranks among the 66th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 29.0% detached houses and 71.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 81.0% houses).

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Rosanna has around 207 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. Looking ahead, Rosanna is expected to grow by approximately 4,534 residents through to 2041, based on 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.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Seven projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area. Major projects include Rosanna Village Masterplan & Redevelopment, Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, The Austin Heidelberg, and Heidelberg Structure Plan Implementation. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of September 2025, there are 5,080 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne at 71.0%. Notably, 45.4% of residents work from home (Census responses), potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 7.2% versus the regional average of 9.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 0.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced higher growth rates and an unemployment rate rise. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.5% over ten years when applied to Rosanna's employment mix.

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 ending June 30, 2023 shows median income in Rosanna suburb is $59,176 and average income is $84,689. These figures are higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023, estimated current incomes for Rosanna are approximately $64,058 (median) and $91,676 (average) as of September 2025. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from August 2021, income rankings in Rosanna place it between the 76th and 78th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution indicates that 27.9% of locals (2,546 people) earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the regional average of 32.8%. Notably, 37.1% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing expenses consume 13.5% of income, while strong earnings place residents in the 81st percentile for disposable income. 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 at the latest Census showed 81.2% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rosanna was 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 average of $2,000. Median weekly rent 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 constitute 72.5 percent of all households, including 37.5 percent couples with children, 25.3 percent couples without children, and 8.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.5 percent, with lone person households at 24.4 percent and group households making up 2.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with 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, surpassing the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.8%. This is reflected in the types of qualifications held: bachelor degrees are most common at 28.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (6.0%). Vocational pathways account for 22.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 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. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 2942 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 191 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 80% of residents, while 11% use trains. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 45.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 420 trips per day, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population across older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (5,496 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.8% and 7.4% of residents respectively. 70.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 20.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,889 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne but ranks lower nationally than the broader population.

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 showed high diversity, with 27.1% born overseas and 24.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 47.7%. Judaism, though small at 0.1%, exceeded Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%.

Top ancestral groups were English (22.9%), Australian (20.4%), and Italian (9.6%). Notably, Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Macedonian (0.9% vs 0.7%), and Croatian (0.9% vs 0.7%) populations were higher than the Greater Melbourne averages.

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 the 45-54 age cohort (14.8% locally) and a lower proportion of 25-34 year-olds (10.0%). Post-2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.3% to 11.9%, while the 45-54 cohort increased from 13.6% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group decreased from 14.0% to 13.0%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Rosanna's age profile by 2041, with the strongest growth expected in the 45-54 cohort (62%), adding 831 residents to reach a total of 2,182.