Dromana

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 was around 13,912 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 546 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,366. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 13,829 in June 2024 and additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 308 persons per square kilometer. Dromana's growth rate of 4.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (2.3%) and SA4 region, indicating it was a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered by this data, they utilised VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends forecasted a significant population increase in the area, expected to expand by 4,346 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 30.3% over the 17 years.

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

Dromana has averaged approximately 149 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25747 homes were approved, with an additional 36 approved in FY-26 to date. Over these five years, on average, 1.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, suggesting a balanced supply and demand dynamic that maintains stable market conditions.

The average construction cost of new homes has been around $507,000, indicating developers' focus on premium market segments with high-end developments. This financial year alone, $13.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, implying balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dromana exhibits 116.0% higher new home approvals per capita, providing buyers with greater choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years. This high level of developer confidence is reflected nationally as well. The current new development composition consists of 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a notable shift from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 81.0% houses. This trend towards denser development offers accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers, potentially mitigating decreasing availability of developable sites and catering to changing lifestyles. Dromana has an approximate population density of 126 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dromana is projected to grow by 4,219 residents through to 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, helping maintain stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Dromana has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Dromana Estate Residential Community, Safety Beach Mixed-Use Development (Martha Cove Precinct Expansion), Dromana Hub Shopping Centre Refurbishment & Expansion, and Dromana Pier Redevelopment. 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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AreaSearch analysis indicates Dromana maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Dromana has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably prominent. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 6,564 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Dromana lags at 52.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly high representation, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.6% versus the regional average of 10.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Dromana increased by 2.2%, while labour force increased by 2.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years for Dromana, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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

Dromana SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,508 and an average of $66,820 in the financial year 2022, based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average for that year. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income was $54,892 with an average income of $73,761 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes in Dromana would be approximately $51,042 (median) and $74,945 (average), accounting for a 12.16% growth since financial year 2022 as per Wage Price Index figures. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Dromana rank modestly, with household income at the 28th percentile, family income at the 30th percentile, and personal income also at the 30th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 4,048 residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, which is 29.1% of Dromana's population and aligns with the regional trend where this cohort represents 32.8%. 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 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Dromana, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 80.6% houses and 19.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dromana was 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.3% and rented dwellings at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data from August 2021, was $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $405. Nationally, Dromana's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.2% of all households, including 22.2% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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.

Educational attainment in Dromana aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

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

A substantial 24.1% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.7% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 36 active transport stops in Dromana, served by buses via three routes offering 1,046 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 641 meters. Daily service frequency averages 149 trips across all routes, equating to about 29 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 149 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual 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 shows significant challenges for Dromana, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 57.9%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.7% and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 63.0% 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 33.0% (4,584 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Dromana are above average, performing better than the general population in health 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%. Citizenship stood at 89.0%, with English spoken exclusively at home by 91.1%. Christianity dominated religiously, at 50.9%.

Judaism was overrepresented slightly, at 0.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.2%. Ancestry wise, the top three groups were English (30.9%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (8.9%). Notable disparities existed in Greek (3.2%, vs regional 1.2%), Italian (5.5%, vs 3.4%), and Dutch (1.8%, vs 1.8%) groups.

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 also older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the average for Greater Melbourne, Dromana has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort (16.6% locally), while the 25-34 age group is under-represented (7.5%). This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the 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 group is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 1,089 people (62%) from 1,744 to 2,834. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above 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 expected to fall by 16%.