Dromana
Statistical Area - sa2

Dromana lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Dromana's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 13,919. This figure represents a growth of 553 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,366. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,836 in June 2024 and an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 308 persons per square kilometer. Dromana's growth rate of 4.1% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (2.3%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with Dromana expected to expand by 4,346 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 30.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Dromana among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Dromana averaged approximately 149 new dwelling approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25. A total of 747 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 17 approved in FY-26. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes was $813,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals reached $13.7 million, suggesting balanced commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dromana had 116.0% higher new home approvals per person as of the latest data. This offers buyers greater choice but has seen a slowdown in building activity in recent years. Nationally, developer confidence in Dromana is strong due to its above-average approval rates. New development in Dromana consisted of 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments from FY-21 to FY-25.

This shift towards denser developments provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. It also reflects the decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse housing options. Dromana had approximately 126 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. By 2041, Dromana is projected to grow by 4,212 residents. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Dromana has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Safety Beach Mixed-Use Development (Martha Cove Precinct Expansion), Mornington Peninsula Freeway Maintenance Program, Dromana Estate Residential Community, and Dromana Hub Shopping Centre Refurbishment & Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Dromana shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Dromana has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of June 2025, which is 0.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%. As of June 2025, 6,506 residents were in work and workforce participation was 52.2%, significantly lagging behind Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. AreaSearch analysis indicates that over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while labour force increased by 4.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Dromana. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Dromana's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Dromana had a median taxpayer income of $45,508 and an average of $66,820 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $51,042 (median) and $74,945 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Dromana rank at the 29th percentile, family incomes at the 30th percentile, and personal incomes at the 29th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 29.1% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dromana, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 27th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Dromana, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.6% houses and 19.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dromana stood at 44.6%, similar to Melbourne metro's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (30.3%) or rented (25.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,989. Median weekly rent in Dromana was $405, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Dromana's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Dromana has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, consisting of 22.2% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 28.5% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

Dromana shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The university qualification rate in the area is 22.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.7% and certificates for 25.8%. A total of 24.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.7% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

Dromana's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,427 students and offer balanced educational opportunities with an ICSEA score of 1000. The schools include one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 17.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.3, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Dromana has 36 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are three different bus routes operating in the area, collectively providing 1046 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically living 641 meters away from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 149 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual bus stop.

Health performance in Dromana is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for Dromana with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover in Dromana is approximately 52%, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 57.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (8.4%). About 63% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 63.9%. Dromana has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Dromana are above average, even better than the general population metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Dromana records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Dromana's population, born in Australia, was 79.6%, with 89.0% being citizens, and 91.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 50.9%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Greeks were overrepresented at 3.2%, Dutch at 1.8%, and Italians at 5.5%.

Dromana ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Dromana has a median age of 51 years, which is notably higher than Greater Melbourne's median age of 37 and exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 65-74 cohort is significantly over-represented in Dromana at 16.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.8% to 12.5% of Dromana's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Dromana's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,088 people (62%), increasing from 1,745 to 2,834. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting Dromana's aging demographic profile. In contrast, numbers in the 0 to 4 age range are projected to fall by 16%.