Mentone
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Mentone's population was approximately 14,044 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 847 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,197. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,987 in June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,156 persons per square kilometer, placing Mentone in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Mentone's growth rate of 6.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average of 5.7%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.4% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these trends, Mentone is projected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 1,892 persons to reach a total of 15,936 by the year 2041, marking a 13.1% increase over 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 approximately 42 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 210 homes. As of FY26, 16 approvals have been recorded. The area has seen an average of 0.5 people moving in per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes is $559,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, $39.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mentone records about 57% of building activity per person and ranks among the 54th percentile nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% medium and high-density housing, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 306 people per dwelling approval, Mentone shows a developing market with population forecasts indicating an increase of 1,835 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Mentone will gain 1,835 residents through to 2041. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified twelve projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones are Kindred Mentone, Frankston Line Level Crossing Removal Program, Moorabbin Airport Master Plan Redevelopment, and 58 Levanto Street Townhouses. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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's workforce is highly educated, with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 5.2%.

At this time, 7,952 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation stood at 66.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among Mentone residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

However, transport, postal & warehousing has a limited presence with 2.8% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and local population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Mentone's labour force increased by 1.4% while employment decreased by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 provide insight into potential future demand in Mentone. Over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Mentone's current employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years. However, these estimates are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for local 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 ATO data released for financial year 2022, Mentone had a median income among taxpayers of $60,522. The average income was $79,988. These figures are among the highest in Australia compared to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Mentone would be approximately $67,881 (median) and $89,715 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 77th percentile ($981 weekly), while household income is at the 59th percentile. Distribution data shows that 29.2% of locals (4,100 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region's 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. Mentone's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Mentone, as evaluated at the Census 2016, comprised 44.0% houses and 56.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 54.8% houses and 45.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mentone was 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.6% and rented ones at 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mentone was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $392, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Mentone's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.8% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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 is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 39.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 16.3%.

Educational participation is 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. A total of 8 schools operate within Mentone, educating approximately 7,311 students. The area's socio-educational advantages and academic achievement are evident with an ICSEA score of 1113. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. Mentone functions as an education hub, offering 52.1 school places per 100 residents – significantly higher than the regional average of 15.7 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Mentone shows 62 active transport stops operating within the area. These include a mix of train and bus services. The stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 4,614 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 659 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 74 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mentone's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Mentone's health data shows a relatively positive picture with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

As of 2021, approximately 60% (8,398 people) of Mentone residents have private health cover, which is exceptionally high. Mental health issues and asthma were the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.1 and 7.8% of residents respectively. A total of 69.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Melbourne. Mentone has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.1% (2,956 people), compared to the 19.3% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors in Mentone are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Mentone 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

Mentone's population shows high cultural diversity, with 29.6% born overseas and 20.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mentone, accounting for 47.4%. Notably, Judaism represents 0.9%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (26.0%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (9.8%). Some ethnic groups have notable representation: Russian at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 1.0%, Greek at 4.0% versus 3.3%, and Polish at 1.1% against a regional figure of 1.0%.

Mentone hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Mentone is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 45-54 years has a strong representation at 14.6% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.9% to 11.7%, but the 25-34 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Mentone. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 66%, adding 682 people and reaching a total of 1,723 from the previous count of 1,040. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting Mentone's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.