Tootgarook

Population growth drivers in Tootgarook are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and address validation, the population of the suburb of Tootgarook was estimated to be around 3,137 as of February 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 41 individuals (approximately 1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,178 people in the suburb. The current resident population estimate of 3,101 is based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation conducted subsequent to the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 898 persons per square kilometer for Tootgarook, which aligns with average densities observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was identified as the primary driver of population growth in the suburb during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, to forecast future demographic trends. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted through a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these aggregated SA2-level projections, Tootgarook is expected to experience above median population growth, with an anticipated increase of 361 persons by 2041, reflecting a total rise of approximately 10.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Tootgarook has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Between Financial Year 21 (FY-21) and FY-25, an estimated 4 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26.

This results in an average of 21 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built during these years. The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $1,271,000, indicating that developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Tootgarook has significantly less development activity. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity, which is still below average nationally. This reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 2138 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Tootgarook has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Rye Pier Reconstruction, Corridor Preservation For Melbourne Outer Metropolitan Ring Road/E6, Level Crossing Removal Project, and Additional VLocity Trains, with the following list providing details on those most likely to be relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Tootgarook faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Tootgarook has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar employment. The construction sector is notably represented. In the past year, ending December 2025, unemployment was at 6.0% with an estimated growth of 3.0%.

As of that date, 1,464 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Tootgarook was 58.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 21.2% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction employed 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 5.5%, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 3.0% while labour force grew by 2.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Tootgarook, based on its current employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 indicates that median income in Tootgarook suburb is $39,932 and average income stands at $68,719. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% from financial year ending June 30, 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $43,226 (median) and $74,388 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Tootgarook all fall between the 19th and 20th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.2% of locals (978 people) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this income bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Tootgarook, with only 81.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Tootgarook, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tootgarook was at 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented ones at 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,788, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Tootgarook was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Tootgarook's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Tootgarook features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.9% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Tootgarook fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.3% and certificates for 31.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tootgarook has 28 active public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. There are 2 routes in total, offering 306 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 397 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 97%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 21.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Tootgarook's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Tootgarook's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts in Tootgarook.

Private health cover is found to be high, at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,693 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (10.0%) and arthritis (9.5%), while 63.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Tootgarook has 29.6% of residents aged 65 and over (928 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those for the general population.

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

Tootgarook's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Tootgarook, comprising 41.7% of people, but Judaism is notably overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, Australian parents comprise 30.9% of Tootgarook's population, substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%.

English parents make up 29.4%, exceeding the regional average of 20.1%. Irish ancestry is also notable at 9.4%. Other ethnic groups with significant representation include Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), Croatian (1.0% vs 0.7%), and Italian (5.9% vs 5.2%).

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

The median age in Tootgarook is 46, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and also exceeds the Australian median of 38. Comparing with Greater Melbourne, the cohort aged 75-84 is significantly over-represented at 11.7% locally compared to its national average of 6.1%. Meanwhile, those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 9.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.2% to 11.7%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.5% to 3.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.8% to 12.1%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Tootgarook. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 166 people (45%), from 367 to 534. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 84% of this growth, while the cohorts aged 15-24 and 25-34 are forecasted to experience population declines.