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 was around 17,658 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 829 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,829 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,650 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 166 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 3,097 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Glen Iris - East had demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.3% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 79.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilised 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 were also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, over this period projections indicated a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 49 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which was projected to grow by 354 people.

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 annually over the past five financial years. Between FY21 and FY25, a total of 374 homes were approved, with an additional 47 approved so far in FY26. The area has seen an average of 0.1 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

This offers ample buyer choice and creates capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties in Glen Iris - East is $842,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. There have been $19.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Melbourne.

When assessed nationally, Glen Iris - East shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 55th percentile of areas. New building activity consists of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, providing options across different price points. With around 291 people per dwelling approval, Glen Iris - East demonstrates characteristics of a low density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Glen Iris Community Health Hub, 9 Glentilt Road Townhouse Development, 265-269 Burke Road Mixed-Use Development, and Glen Iris Village Corner. The following list details 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 strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. In the past year, estimated employment growth was 2.2%.

As of December 2025, 10,246 residents are employed and the unemployment rate stands at 2.3%. Workforce participation is 71.9%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses indicate that 50.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented at 5.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2% while labour force grew by 2.4%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment rate (0.1 percentage points). In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 income of $120,326 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, the estimated median income would be approximately $77,951, and the average income would be around $131,901. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Glen Iris - East all rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 96th percentiles. The data shows that the majority of residents (37.1%, or 6,551 people) fall into the $4000+ income bracket, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 32.8%. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners (48.9% above $3,000/week) in the suburb, reflecting strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income, demonstrating 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, comprised 70.2% houses and 29.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Iris - East stood at 43.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.3% and rented at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $522, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Glen Iris - East's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, and rents 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 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 is notably higher than national averages. As of the latest data, 57.4% of residents aged 15 years and above have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 36.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.5%). Vocational pathways account for 16.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 7.7%.

Educational participation is 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 serving a mix of light rail and bus routes. These stops are covered by 12 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,310 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 274 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (81%), with train usage at 9%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.5 per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 50.2% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 901 trips daily 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 78% of the total population (13,826 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.4% and 6.0% of residents respectively. 75.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. 18.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,249 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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 markets, with 27.2% of its population born overseas and 22.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Glen Iris - East, comprising 46.7% of the population. Judaism was notably overrepresented in Glen Iris - East at 2.0%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.1%), Australian (21.2%), and Chinese (9.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.1% versus 0.8% regionally, Sri Lankan remained similar at 0.8%, and Greek was overrepresented at 3.5% compared to 2.7%.

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 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.6%, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 10.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 14.3% to 15.5%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.4% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 15.5% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Glen Iris - East's age profile. The 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 17%, adding 284 residents to reach 1,971. Residents aged 65 and older represent 91% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts.