Montrose

Montrose is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Montrose's population is around 6,926 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 17 people (0.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,943 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,921 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 657 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected, with the area expected to grow by 335 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Montrose is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Montrose has recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval per year, with 22 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $352,000. Additionally, $5.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Montrose has significantly less development activity (84.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1442 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Montrose will gain 330 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Montrose has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, Liverpool Road Shared User Path, Sherbrooke Children's Centre Services, and Kilsyth Townhouse Developments, 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.

Montrose ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Montrose has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,671 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 26.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.2% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 1.8% alongside a labour force increase of 1.5%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, the 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 Montrose. 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 Montrose's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% 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

The Montrose SA2's income level is higher than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Montrose SA2's median income among taxpayers is $58,814 and the average income stands at $71,958, which compares to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,666 (median) and $77,895 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Montrose cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 33.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,320 residents), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Montrose is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Montrose, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.1% houses and 7.8% 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 Montrose was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 37.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (53.5%) or rented (8.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $365, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Montrose's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Montrose features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 79.4% of all households, comprising 42.8% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.6%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Montrose exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (23.9%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (28.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 39 active transport stops operating within Montrose, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 1,605 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 368 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 26.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 229 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Montrose is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Montrose, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~3,802 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.9% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,342 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Montrose is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Montrose was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Montrose is Christianity, which makes up 42.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% 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 Montrose are Australian, comprising 31.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, English, comprising 30.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, and Scottish, comprising 8.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 3.8% of Montrose (vs 1.2% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%) and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

Montrose's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 41 years, Montrose's median age is significantly above the Greater Melbourne average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 5 - 14 cohort is notably over-represented (14.5% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.1%). Following the 2021 Census, the 5 to 14 age group has grown from 13.2% to 14.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 10.1% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 10.1% to 9.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Montrose's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 84%, adding 176 residents to reach 388. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.