Gowanbrae
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Gowanbrae's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 3,189 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 78 people, a rise of 2.5%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 3,111. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,189 in June 2024 and the addition of 4 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 2,098 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.7% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting with weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate exceptional growth, placing Gowanbrae in the top 10% of national areas. By 2041, a growth of 1,290 persons is predicted, reflecting an overall increase of 40.5%.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Gowanbrae according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Gowanbrae has seen approximately 3 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling 17 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY26. On average, 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average value of $886,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In this financial year, $150,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Gowanbrae records significantly lower building activity, 84.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. The area's established nature is also reflected by its building activity being under the national average, potentially indicating planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining Gowanbrae's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (67.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 1025 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections show Gowanbrae adding 1,290 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Gowanbrae has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Twelve projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include: Artisan Architects' 18-22 Howes Street Apartments, the 17-25 Earl Street Airport West Development, and the 19-21 Louis Street Airport West project. Additionally, the 12 Howes Street Airport West Apartments are also notable. The following list details those considered 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 Gowanbrae demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Gowanbrae has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% in June 2025, below Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.5%. As of June 2025, 1,945 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, and workforce participation at 66.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (employment share 1.7 times the regional level).

Health care & social assistance has limited presence with 11.8% employment compared to 14.2% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, labour force by 4.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gowanbrae's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Gowanbrae had a median taxpayer income of $52,540 and an average income of $61,447 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $58,929 and the average income around $68,919, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. In Gowanbrae, incomes cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The majority of residents (28.9%, or 921 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket weekly. Notably, 34.5% of residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. Housing expenses consume 14.1% of income. Residents rank within the 78th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Gowanbrae displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Gowanbrae's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.8% houses and 33.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Melbourne metro had 62.8% houses and 37.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gowanbrae was at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.2% and rented ones at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $423, compared to Melbourne metro's $381. Nationally, Gowanbrae's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Gowanbrae has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.2% of all households, including 40.8% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Gowanbrae performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Gowanbrae trail regional benchmarks. 29.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (18.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in secondary education, 9.5% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 17 active transport stops in Gowanbrae. These are bus stops serviced by 8 routes providing 1,945 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, typically living 102 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 277 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Gowanbrae is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Gowanbrae shows better-than-average health outcomes with a lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages.

However, older and at-risk cohorts have a higher prevalence. Approximately 51% (~1,613 people) of the population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.2%) and arthritis (7.2%). About 72.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.2%. Gowanbrae has a larger elderly population at 18.7% (595 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 14.0%, which may require more health attention.

Gowanbrae was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gowanbrae's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.4% born overseas and 30.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Gowanbrae, accounting for 61.1% of its population, compared to 43.9% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups were English (18.3%), Australian (18.0%), and Italian (13.9%).

Notably, Croatian (1.7%) was overrepresented in Gowanbrae compared to the regional average of 0.7%, as was Maltese (2.9% vs 1.7%) and Sri Lankan (1.3% vs 0.6%).

Gowanbrae's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Gowanbrae has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. Comparing the two, Gowanbrae has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (8.2% locally), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (11.6%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.6% to 8.2%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.6% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 14.0% to 11.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 15.7% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Gowanbrae's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 221 people (84%), increasing from 263 to 485.