Grovedale - Mount Duneed

Grovedale - Mount Duneed lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Grovedale - Mount Duneed's population is around 28,040 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,277 people (13.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,763 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 27,783 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,340 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 745 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Grovedale - Mount Duneed's 13.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic. (8.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 68.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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 utilizing 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, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 15,940 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 55.9% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Grovedale - Mount Duneed was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Grovedale - Mount Duneed has experienced around 460 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 2,302 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26264 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.1 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $261,000. Additionally, $62.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Grovedale - Mount Duneed has 77.0% more new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity shows 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 86 people per dwelling approval, Grovedale - Mount Duneed shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Grovedale - Mount Duneed will gain 15,682 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Grovedale - Mount Duneed has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 49 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade, Deakin University Waurn Ponds Expansion, Levande Highton Retirement Village, and Waurn Ponds Sporting Complex, 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Grovedale - Mount Duneed ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Grovedale - Mount Duneed features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.0%. As of December 2025, 14,965 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (68.0% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% alongside a 0.8% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Grovedale - Mount Duneed. 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 Grovedale - Mount Duneed's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Grovedale - Mount Duneed SA2 is slightly above average nationally, with the median assessed at $56,722 while the average income stands at $68,776. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,402 (median) and $74,450 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Grovedale - Mount Duneed, between the 45th and 51st percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.7% of the community (10,010 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. High housing costs consume 15.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 53rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Grovedale - Mount Duneed is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Grovedale - Mount Duneed, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Grovedale - Mount Duneed lagged that of Regional Vic. at 32.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.9%) or rented (26.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Vic. average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Grovedale - Mount Duneed's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Grovedale - Mount Duneed features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.9% of all households, comprising 32.5% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Grovedale - Mount Duneed exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.9% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (23.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 6.8% in tertiary education, and 6.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 116 active transport stops operating within Grovedale - Mount Duneed, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 34 individual routes, collectively providing 3,241 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 232 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 19.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 463 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Grovedale - Mount Duneed is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Grovedale - Mount Duneed faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~14,945 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic..

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 66.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (4,267 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Grovedale - Mount Duneed records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Grovedale - Mount Duneed was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.8% of its population being citizens, 81.3% born in Australia, and 87.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Grovedale - Mount Duneed is Christianity, which makes up 45.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Grovedale - Mount Duneed are English, comprising 28.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Grovedale - Mount Duneed (vs 1.7% regionally), Scottish at 8.6% (vs 8.8%) and Croatian at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Grovedale - Mount Duneed's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 35 years, Grovedale - Mount Duneed's median age is significantly below the Regional Vic. average of 43 as well as somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (19.7% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (7.9%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 35. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.6% to 19.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.2% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 9.8% to 8.4% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 13.8% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Grovedale - Mount Duneed's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 79%, adding 4,393 residents to reach 9,929.