Tootgarook

Population growth drivers in Tootgarook are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Tootgarook's population is estimated at around 3,136, reflecting a decrease of 42 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 3,101 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 898 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tootgarook demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. 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.

For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation method. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Tootgarook is expected to grow by 352 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 13.8% over the 17 years.

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

Tootgarook has had minimal development with just two approvals between 2016 and 2021. This minimal development indicates a mature area where new housing opportunities are rare. While this can support property values through limited supply, it also suggests a stable, settled market with less turnover compared to Greater Melbourne.

The area has significantly less development activity relative to the rest of Melbourne. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, construction activity has intensified recently, though it remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Tootgarook has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero such projects that could 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 most relevant ones listed below.

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.

Employment performance in Tootgarook has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Tootgarook's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with high representation, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and estimated employment growth of 2.8% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 1,448 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.7%, versus Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment is notably high, at 1.8 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.5% of Tootgarook's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 2.7%, keeping unemployment broadly stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a slight unemployment increase. Statewide in Victoria, employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to 25-November, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, employment grew by 0.14%, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tootgarook's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.6% in five years and 13.4% in ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 shows that Tootgarook suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $39,932 and an average income of $68,719. Nationally, these figures are slightly above the average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Tootgarook as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,226 (median) and $74,388 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Tootgarook fall between the 19th and 20th percentiles nationally. The data indicates that 31.2% of individuals in Tootgarook earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 band, consistent with broader regional trends at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Tootgarook, as recorded at the Census in 2016, consisted of 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne's metropolitan area which had 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Tootgarook was 37.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.3%) or rented (29.3%). In this area, the median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,788, which is lower than Melbourne's metropolitan average of $1,989. The median weekly rent in Tootgarook was recorded at $360, compared to Melbourne's $380. Nationally, Tootgarook's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 account for the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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%. 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 them, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 27.5%, comprising primary education (10.0%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (3.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Transport analysis in Tootgarook shows 28 active public transport stops operating. These are served by buses on two routes, offering 306 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 397 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Tootgarook is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Tootgarook faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% (1,693 people), compared to 57.8% across Greater Melbourne.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.0% and 9.5% of residents respectively. 63.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 28.8% (903 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 29.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Tootgarook's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 84.8% born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.7%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (30.9%), English (29.4%), and Irish (9.4%) were the top groups. Hungarian (0.4%), Croatian (1.0%), and Italian (5.9%) were notably overrepresented in Tootgarook compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.4%, and 3.4% respectively.

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

The median age in Tootgarook is 46 years, which exceeds Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and is also higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort makes up 14.5% of the population in Tootgarook, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 12%. Conversely, individuals aged 25-34 comprise only 10.0% of the population in Tootgarook, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 16%. Nationally, the 65-74 age group constitutes 9.4% of the population. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of individuals aged 75 to 84 has increased from 7.2% to 11.3%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 11.9% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that the 75-84 age cohort will grow significantly, expanding by 215 people (61%) from 354 to 570. This growth is part of a broader trend where those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 86% of the population increase in Tootgarook. Conversely, the populations of individuals aged 15-24 and 25-34 are expected to decline.