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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Glen Iris - East's population is around 17,688 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 859 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,829 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,537 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,103 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Glen Iris - East's 5.1% growth since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 79.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 84 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to grow by 394 people. See the age section for more details.

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 around 74 new dwelling approvals per year, with 374 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 36 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $842,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $19.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Glen Iris - East shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 55th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity shows 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. With around 291 people per dwelling approval, Glen Iris - East shows characteristics of a low density area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Glen Iris - East may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 31 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include 9 Glentilt Road Townhouse Development, Glen Iris Community Health Hub, 265-269 Burke Road Mixed-Use Development, and Glen Iris Village Corner, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 2.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,246 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 50.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 5.4% of Glen Iris - East's workforce compared to 9.7% in Greater Melbourne. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2% and labour force increased by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Glen Iris - East. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 shows a median taxpayer income of $71,110 and an average of $120,326 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,977 (median) and $130,253 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Glen Iris - East, between the 89th and 96th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $4000+ bracket dominates with 37.1% of residents (6,562 people), diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.8%. The substantial proportion of high earners (48.9% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

Dwelling structure within Glen Iris - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 70.2% houses and 29.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Glen Iris - East was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 43.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (21.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $3,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $522, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $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 dominate at 77.0% of all households, comprising 43.3% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 57.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 36.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.5%). Vocational pathways account for 16.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (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

Public transport analysis reveals 51 active transport stops operating within Glen Iris - East, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 12 individual routes, collectively providing 6,310 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 274 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 9% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 50.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Glen Iris - East, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (13,849 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.4% and 6.0% of residents, respectively, while 75.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,289 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 27.2% of its population born overseas and 22.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Glen Iris - East is Christianity, which makes up 46.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 2.0% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Glen Iris - East are English, comprising 23.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.2% of the population, and Chinese, comprising 9.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Glen Iris - East (vs 0.8% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.8% (vs 0.8%) and Greek at 3.5% (vs 2.7%).

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

At 41 years, Glen Iris - East's median age is significantly above the Greater Melbourne average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (13.8% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 14.3% to 15.7% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.4% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Glen Iris - East's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 16%, adding 270 residents to reach 1,988. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 93% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 25 to 34 cohorts.