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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dromana's population is around 13,919 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 553 people from the 2021 Census figure of 13,366, indicating a growth rate of 4.1%. The change was inferred from the ABS's 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 exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.3%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.4% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch adopted 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 used VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Dromana is forecasted to have a population increase of 4,346 persons based on the latest numbers, reflecting an overall growth rate 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 has averaged approximately 186 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis: 934 homes over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, and 9 so far in FY26. Over these five years, an average of 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $813,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY26, there have been $13.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dromana has 131.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. This is above the national average and reflects strong developer confidence in the area. Currently, new developments consist of 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, showing a shift towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable change from the existing housing stock, which is currently 81.0% houses. Dromana has approximately 126 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

By 2041, Dromana is projected to grow by 4,212 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Mornington Peninsula Freeway Maintenance Program, Dromana Pier Redevelopment, Greater Dromana Masterplan, and Dromana-Arthurs Seat Escarpment Management Plan. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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

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, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%. As of June 2025, 6,506 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Dromana was 52.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction shows particular specialization with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force grew by 4.5%, raising unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Victorian employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dromana's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 above the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By March 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.11%, current estimates would be approximately $50,109 (median) and $73,576 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Dromana rank modestly, between the 29th and 30th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 29.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 4,050 residents falling into this category. This 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 29 August 2016, comprised 80.6% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dromana stood at 44.6%, similar to Melbourne metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 30.3% and rented ones for 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,989. Median weekly rent in Dromana was $405, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Dromana's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $405 compared to 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, including 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 area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 22.0% significantly below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This indicates both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 25.8%.

A substantial 24.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.7% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% in tertiary education. Dromana's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,427 students as of the latest data, while Dromana demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1000) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (17.5 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

Transport analysis indicates 36 active public transport stops in Dromana, consisting of bus services only. These stops are served by three distinct routes, offering a total of 1,046 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 641 meters from the nearest 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

Dromana faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~7,293 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 57.9%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health problems (8.4%), while 63.0% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 63.9%. Dromana has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.0% (4,586 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Dromana are above average, outperforming 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, stands at 79.6%, with 89.0% being citizens and 91.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 50.9%. Judaism, at 0.2%, is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (30.9%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (8.9%). Greeks (3.2%) and Italians (5.5%) are notably more prevalent in Dromana than regionally (1.2% and 3.4%, respectively). Dutch representation is similar, at 1.8%.

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 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 62%, increasing from 1,745 people 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 projected to decrease by 16%.