Mentone

Mentone has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mentone's population is around 14,065 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 868 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,197 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,987 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,160 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mentone's 6.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 87.4% 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. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,892 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Mentone has recorded around 42 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 210 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $559,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $39.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Mentone records about 57% of the building activity per person while it places among the 53rd percentile of areas assessed nationally. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 306 people per dwelling approval, Mentone shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Mentone will gain 1,814 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Mentone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Frankston Line Level Crossing Removal Program, the Moorabbin Airport Master Plan Redevelopment, 58 Levanto Street Townhouses, and 156 Balcombe Road Apartments, 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.

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Employment performance in Mentone has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Mentone has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. As of December 2025, 7,826 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above 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 39.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade. Meanwhile, transport, postal & warehousing has a limited presence with 2.8% employment compared to 5.2% regionally. 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, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% combined with employment decreasing by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mentone. 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 Mentone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Mentone SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $63,151 with the average level standing at $81,132. This is among the highest in Australia 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 $68,361 (median) and $87,825 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 77th percentile ($981 weekly), while household income sits at the 58th percentile. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 29.2% of locals (4,106 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 58th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Mentone, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 44.0% houses and 56.0% 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 Mentone was higher than that of Melbourne metro, at 32.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $392, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Mentone's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Mentone features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.8% of all households, comprising 27.5% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Mentone places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (39.3% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (16.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 63 active transport stops operating within Mentone, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 17 individual routes, collectively providing 3,539 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 39.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 505 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mentone's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mentone, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (8,424 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.1% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 69.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,054 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mentone was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mentone was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 29.6% of its population born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Mentone is Christianity, which makes up 47.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.9% 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 Mentone are English, comprising 26.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 20.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Mentone (vs 0.4% regionally), Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.8%) and Greek at 4.0% (vs 2.7%).

Mentone's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Mentone is significantly above Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 7.9% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.9% to 11.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.7% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Mentone. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 55% (609 people), reaching 1,723 from 1,113. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.