Mentone

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

Mentone's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 14,065. This figure represents a growth of 868 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,197. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 13,987 in June 2024 and an additional 79 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,160 persons per square kilometer, placing Mentone in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mentone's growth rate of 6.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's rate of 5.6%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 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, an above median population growth is projected, with Mentone expected to grow by 1,892 persons, reflecting a total increase of 12.9% over the 17-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. Up to FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 people moved to Mentone per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes is $559,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, Mentone registered $39.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne and nationally, Mentone records about 57% of building activity per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile of areas assessed, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development in Mentone consists of 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers seeking accessible entry options. With around 306 people per dwelling approval, Mentone exhibits characteristics of a low density area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Mentone will gain 1,814 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 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch 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 projects 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 well-educated with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.4% as of September 2025. At this time, 7,844 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was higher than Greater Melbourne's by 0.8%, standing at 5.5%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 39.5% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment among Mentone residents are 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 comparing working population to local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Mentone's labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment decreased by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand 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.

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, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023, was $63,151. The average income stood at $81,132 during the same period. These figures are among the highest in Australia, with Greater Melbourne having median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $68,361 and $87,825, considering an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income in Mentone ranks at the 77th percentile ($981 weekly), while household income is at the 58th percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.2% of locals (4,106 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, which aligns with broader trends in the surrounding region, where 32.8% are in the same income bracket. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile. Mentone'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

In Mentone, as per the latest Census evaluation, 44.0% of dwellings were houses while 56.0% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasted with Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mentone stood at 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 34.6% and rented ones making up 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Mentone was $392 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Mentone's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 against the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were $392 exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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, 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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with vocational credentials held by 29.1% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (16.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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 analysis shows 63 active public transport stops in Mentone, served by 17 routes offering a total of 3,539 weekly passenger trips. These stops are predominantly bus services. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 205 meters to the nearest stop. In this residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 83%, while trains account for 8%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.1 per dwelling, 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, 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (8,424 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% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. Mentone has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,054 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were 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, born overseas, was 29.6%, higher than most local markets. At home, 20.4% spoke a language other than English. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mentone, with 47.4%.

Judaism, at 0.9%, was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. The top ancestry groups were English (26.0%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (9.8%). Notably, Russian (1.1%) and Polish (1.1%) populations in Mentone exceeded regional averages of 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively. Greek population was also higher at 4.0%, compared to the regional average of 2.7%.

Mentone's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Mentone is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up a strong 7.9% of Mentone's population compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 10.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.9%, and the 75-84 cohort has risen from 6.7% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 10.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Mentone. Notably, the 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 55%, reaching 1,723 people from 1,113. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting Mentone's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.