Malvern - Glen Iris

An assessment of population growth drivers in Malvern - Glen Iris reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Malvern - Glen Iris's population is around 22,222 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,983 people (9.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,239 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,680 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 793 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,607 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Malvern - Glen Iris's 9.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.7%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 96.3% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 2,624 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 9.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Malvern - Glen Iris when compared nationally

Malvern - Glen Iris has recorded around 166 residential properties granted approval annually, with 831 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 15 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $505,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $94.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Malvern - Glen Iris shows moderately higher development activity (38.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 39.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 170 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Malvern - Glen Iris is expected to grow by 2,082 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Malvern - Glen Iris has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 53 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include 173 Burke Road Mixed-Use Development, Cabrini Hospital Major Redevelopment, Harold Holt Swim Centre Improvements, 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.

The labour market in Malvern - Glen Iris shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Malvern - Glen Iris features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 12,935 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% 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 47.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 9.7%. 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3% while employment declined by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Malvern - Glen Iris. 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 Malvern - Glen Iris's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.0% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Malvern - Glen Iris SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $73,300 with the average level standing at $135,733. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $79,347 (median) and $146,931 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Malvern - Glen Iris, between the 86th and 93rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $4000+ earnings band captures 30.9% of the community (6,866 individuals), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 41.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 87th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Malvern - Glen Iris features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Malvern - Glen Iris, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 39.2% houses and 60.8% 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 Malvern - Glen Iris was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 36.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.4%) or rented (32.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $410, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Malvern - Glen Iris's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Malvern - Glen Iris features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 62.5% of all households, comprising 27.9% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Malvern - Glen Iris 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 Malvern - Glen Iris significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 57.3% 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 37.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational pathways account for 17.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (7.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in tertiary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 7.6% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 99 active transport stops operating within Malvern - Glen Iris, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 14,186 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 175 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 72%, with 12% by train and 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 47.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 2,026 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 143 weekly trips per individual stop.

Malvern - Glen Iris'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 Malvern - Glen Iris, 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 82% of the total population (18,333 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.2% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 72.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (4,755 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 Malvern - Glen Iris was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Malvern - Glen Iris was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 27.4% of its population born overseas and 19.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Malvern - Glen Iris is Christianity, which makes up 46.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 5.3% 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 Malvern - Glen Iris are English, comprising 25.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 20.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of the population (vs 0.8% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Russian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

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

With a median age of 40, Malvern - Glen Iris is somewhat higher than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (7.8% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (12.3%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.9% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 11.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.5% to 9.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Malvern - Glen Iris's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 609 people (35%) from 1,739 to 2,349. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 66% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 267 people.