Glen Iris - East

Glen Iris - East is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Glen Iris - East's population was approximately 17,688 as of February 2026. This figure represents a growth of 859 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,829. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 17,537 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 161 since the census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,103 persons per square kilometer, placing Glen Iris - East in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate of 5.1% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of its SA3 area (7.4%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.8% of Glen Iris - East's population gains recently.

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 from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a decline overall, with Glen Iris - East's population projected to decrease by 84 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow; notably, the 65 to 74 age group is projected to increase by 394 people during this period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Glen Iris - East recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Glen Iris - East has averaged approximately 74 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 374 homes were approved, with an additional 34 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, the area has seen an average of only 0.1 people moving to the area for each dwelling built, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new properties is $842,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market. This financial year, there have been $19.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Glen Iris - East shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 55th percentile nationally when assessed for new building activity.

The area has seen a mix of housing types, with 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, including townhouses and apartments. Glen Iris - East has around 291 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure in the future.

Glen Iris - East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the 9 Glentilt Road Townhouse Development, Glen Iris Community Health Hub, 265-269 Burke Road Mixed-Use Development, and Glen Iris Village Corner, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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 conditions in Glen Iris - East demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Glen Iris - East has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.4% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 2.7% in the past year. As of September 2025, 10,211 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 50.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Construction is under-represented, with only 5.4% of Glen Iris - East's workforce compared to 9.7% in Greater Melbourne. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7% and labour force increased by 2.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Glen Iris - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Glen Iris - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $71,110 and an average of $120,326 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 during the same period. By September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $76,977 and an average of $130,253, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Glen Iris - East all rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 96th percentiles. The data shows that the $4000+ income bracket dominates with 37.1% of residents (6,562 people), which differs from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.8%. This substantial proportion of high earners (48.9% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Glen Iris - East's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.2% houses and 29.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Iris - East was at 43.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (21.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Glen Iris - East was $522, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Glen Iris - East's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Glen Iris - East has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.0% of all households, including 43.3% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households at 2.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Glen Iris - East demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Glen Iris - East shows significant surpassing of broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 57.4% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 36.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.9% and graduate diplomas at 5.5%.

Vocational pathways account for 16.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 7.7%. Educational participation is notably high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 8.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Glen Iris - East has 51 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 different routes, collectively facilitating 6,310 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 274 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 81%, and trains used by 9%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 50.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 901 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 123 weekly trips per individual stop.

Glen Iris - East's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Glen Iris - East shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 78% of Glen Iris - East residents have private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.4 and 6.0% of residents respectively. 75.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Glen Iris - East has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,289 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Glen Iris - East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Iris-East had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.2% of its residents born overseas and 22.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Glen Iris-East, making up 46.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism was more prevalent here than in Greater Melbourne, comprising 2.0% compared to 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.1%), Australian (21.2%), and Chinese (9.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish residents made up 1.1%, higher than the regional average of 0.8%; Sri Lankan residents were at 0.8%, equal to the regional figure; Greek residents comprised 3.5%, compared to 2.7% regionally.

Glen Iris - East's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Glen Iris - East's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Glen Iris - East has a notably higher proportion of 55-64 year-olds (13.8% locally) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (9.3%). Post the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 14.3% to 15.7%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 5.4% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 15.5% to 13.6%. By 2041, Glen Iris - East's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65-74 cohort is expected to grow by 16%, adding 270 residents to reach 1,988. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to account for 93% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 35-44 and 25-34 age groups.