Templestowe Lower

An assessment of population growth drivers in Templestowe Lower 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 Templestowe Lower statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 15,043 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 945 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,098 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,456 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 102 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,562 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Templestowe Lower's 6.7% growth since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the Templestowe Lower (SA2) expected to increase by 1,489 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Templestowe Lower when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Templestowe Lower has seen approximately 87 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 439 homes. So far in FY-26, 30 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.4 new residents arrive per new home each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $731,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In this financial year, $35.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Templestowe Lower maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns. New building activity shows 30.0% standalone homes and 70.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, marking a considerable change from the current housing mix of 81.0% houses. With around 179 people per dwelling approval, Templestowe Lower exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Templestowe Lower is projected to add 866 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Templestowe Lower has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could impact the area, with key ones including Eastern Freeway Upgrades, Templestowe Road Duplication and Upgrade, North East Link - Doncaster Interchange Upgrades, and Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan Redevelopment.

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

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Templestowe Lower has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Templestowe Lower has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of September 2025, which is 0.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%. There are 7,226 residents currently employed, with workforce participation at 57.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries among Templestowe Lower residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

However, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 4.9% of Templestowe Lower's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 7.2%. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area during the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, while labour force increased by 2.6%. This resulted in a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, with the labour force growing by 3.3% and unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows that Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Templestowe Lower's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Templestowe Lower had a median taxpayer income of $51,199 and an average income of $73,490 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,423 (median) and $79,553 (average). In Census 2021 data, Templestowe Lower's household income ranked at the 60th percentile ($1,920 weekly), while personal income was at the 40th percentile. Income analysis showed that 29.3% of locals (4,407 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remained for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Templestowe Lower consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.1% houses and 32.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Templestowe Lower stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 33.4% and rented dwellings accounting for 18.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,400. The median weekly rent in Templestowe Lower was $475, compared to Melbourne metro's $462. Nationally, Templestowe Lower's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.8% of all households, including 39.3% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.2%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Templestowe Lower is notably higher than national averages. As of the latest data, 40.5% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is reflected in various qualifications: bachelor degrees at 26.5%, postgraduate qualifications at 10.3%, and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Vocational pathways are also prevalent, with advanced diplomas accounting for 11.4% and certificates for 13.0% among residents aged 15 years and above.

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Templestowe Lower shows 61 active transport stops operating, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 20 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,030 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 209 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 432 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Templestowe Lower's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Templestowe Lower residents show positive health trends.

Common health condition prevalence is low across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 56% (~8,401 people). The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and asthma (6.2%). About 71.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 23.2% (3,489 people). Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's profile.

Templestowe Lower is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Templestowe Lower has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.0% of its population born overseas and 46.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Templestowe Lower is Christianity, comprising 55.8% of the population. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.5% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (17.0%), English (15.0%), and Australian (14.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Greek is overrepresented at 9.5% versus the regional average of 7.6%, Italian at 9.7% compared to 8.3%, and Macedonian at 1.0% versus 0.7%.

Templestowe Lower hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Templestowe Lower is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Templestowe Lower has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 10.7% to 12.6% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort decreased from 10.0% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Templestowe Lower's age structure will undergo significant shifts. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 49%, reaching 1,078 people from 722. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.