Glenroy - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Glenroy - West lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Glenroy - West's population is approximately 9,590 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 733 people, equivalent to an 8.3% rise since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,857. The change is inferred from ABS estimates showing a resident population of 9,575 in June 2024 and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,674 persons per square kilometer, placing Glenroy - West in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 8.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (7.0%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, employing adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods to estimate population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate exceptional growth, placing Glenroy - West in the top 10 percent of national areas. Based on latest population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 4,907 persons to 2041, marking a total increase of 51.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Glenroy - West among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Glenroy-West has recorded approximately 58 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25291 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 1.7 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling constructed. However, this figure has increased to 4.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value of development projects was $388,000, lower than the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, $64,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Glenroy-West maintains similar construction rates per person compared to Greater Melbourne, preserving market balance consistent with the broader area. Current new development consists of 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from existing patterns (currently 47.0% houses). This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Glenroy-West has approximately 164 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 4,892 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to meet population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Glenroy - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Glenroy Structure Plan, 71 May Street Townhouses, 60 Daley Street Townhouses, and Glenroy College Modernisation. 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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Employment conditions in Glenroy - West demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Glenroy-West has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.5%. As of June 2025, 5904 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 1.6% below Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and professional & technical services.

The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Retail trade has lower representation at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 9.8%. Employment levels increased by 4.5% during the year to June 2025, while labour force also grew by 4.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.1%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a slight rise in unemployment rate to 5.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glenroy-West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Glenroy - West had a median taxpayer income of $60,460 and an average income of $71,260 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $67,812 (median) and $79,925 (average), based on a 12.16% growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows Glenroy - West's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 58th percentile nationally. Income distribution indicates that 34.7% of locals (3,327 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where 32.8% fall within this range. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Glenroy - West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Glenroy - West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 47.4% houses and 52.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 62.8% houses and 37.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenroy - West was at 25.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,980, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $381. Nationally, Glenroy - West's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Glenroy - West features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.3% of all households, including 29.3% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's average.

The educational profile of Glenroy - West exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Glenroy West is notable with 40.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 27.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also significant with 27.1%, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (15.3%). Educational participation is high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.0% in primary, 7.8% in tertiary, and 5.2% in secondary education.

Glenroy West Primary School and Penola Catholic College - Glenroy Campus serve the area, collectively enrolling 345 students. The ICSEA score for educational conditions is 1025, indicating balanced opportunities. Educational provision is conventional with one primary and one secondary institution. Local school capacity is limited at 3.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.0, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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

Glenroy - West has 23 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by three routes that collectively facilitate 2042 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good with residents being an average of 233 meters away from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 291 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

Glenroy - West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Glenroy - West residents have a relatively positive health profile, with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population. However, certain older and at-risk cohorts have higher rates compared to national averages.

Approximately 55% (~5,274 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 52.5%. Mental health issues affect 7.5% of residents, while arthritis impacts 6.2%. About 74.6% declare no medical ailments, compared to 72.2% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 12.1% (1,165 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 14.0%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention, overall, Glenroy - West residents fare well compared to broader population averages.

Glenroy - West is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Glenroy-West has a high level of cultural diversity, with 48.0% of its population born overseas and 50.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Glenroy-West, comprising 38.1% of the population. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 17.0% of Glenroy-West's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (28.1%), Australian (14.4%), and English (14.2%). Notably, Polish (1.3%) and Maltese (1.7%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Italian is underrepresented at 7.1%.

Glenroy - West's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Glenroy-West has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Glenroy-West has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (25.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 15.5% to 17.1%, while the proportion of those aged 85 and above has decreased from 3.6% to 2.4%. By 2041, Glenroy-West's population is projected to see substantial demographic changes, with the strongest growth in the 25-34 age group, which is forecast to grow by 33%, adding 792 residents and reaching a total of 3,225.