Mentone

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

As of May 2026, Mentone's population is approximately 14,196, reflecting a 7.6% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 13,197 people. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,155 in June 2025 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. Mentone's population density stands at 3,190 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 7.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.7%, indicating Mentone as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving population growth in the area. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Mentone is projected to grow by an additional 1,782 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 12.3% over the 16-year period.

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. In FY-26 so far, 27 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $559,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In this financial year, $39.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mentone records approximately 57% of building activity per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. This suggests market maturity and potential 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 indicates a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mentone is forecasted to gain 1,741 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.

Mentone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Frankston Line Level Crossing Removal Program, Moorabbin Airport Master Plan Redevelopment, 58 Levanto Street Townhouses, and 156 Balcombe Road Apartments. The following list details those 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 performance in Mentone has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Mentone's workforce is highly educated with professional services being prominent. The unemployment rate in Mentone as of December 2025 was 5.2%. By this date, 7826 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's at 69.9%. According to Census responses, 39.5% of Mentone residents worked from home. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence with 2.8% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Mentone's labour force decreased by 0.3% and employment fell by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a smaller unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mentone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Mentone SA2 was $63,151 during financial year 2023. The average level stood at $81,132. This is among the highest in Australia compared to Greater Melbourne's levels of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,226 (median) and $88,937 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 77th percentile ($981 weekly), while household income sits at the 58th percentile. Distribution data shows that 29.2% of locals (4,145 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile. 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

Mentone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 44.0% houses and 56.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mentone was higher than Melbourne metro's level at 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.6% and rented ones at 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mentone was $2,167, exceeding the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Mentone was recorded at $392, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 account for 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 make up 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, 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 is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 39.3% of 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 29.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (16.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

The Mentone area has 63 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together facilitate 3,539 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents living an average of 205 meters from the nearest stop. Most Mentone residents commute outside the area. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 83%, while train usage stands at 8%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 505 trips daily across all routes, resulting in 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. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding both young and old age cohorts had low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (8,503 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.1 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 69.2% declared themselves 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 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,976 people), which is higher than the 15.0% 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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most nearby areas, with 29.6% born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mentone, accounting for 47.4% of residents. Notably, Judaism had a slightly higher representation in Mentone at 0.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (26.0%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (9.8%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Russian was overrepresented at 1.1% in Mentone versus the regional average of 0.4%, Polish at 1.1% compared to 0.8%, and Greek at 4.0% against a regional average of 2.7%.

Mentone's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 45-54 age group constitutes 14.4% of Mentone's population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.6%, and the 25-34 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.6%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest substantial demographic changes in Mentone. Notably, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 55%, reaching 1,649 people from 1,066. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting Mentone's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.