Mount Eliza

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mount Eliza reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Mount Eliza's population was approximately 19,053 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 319 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,734. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 19,009 in June 2024 and the addition of 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 820 persons per square kilometer. Mount Eliza's growth rate of 1.7% since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these projections, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Mount Eliza is expected to grow by approximately 1,849 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Mount Eliza has recorded approximately 51 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 256 homes were approved, with an additional 45 approved so far in FY26. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely keeping pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $822,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $45.4 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mount Eliza has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks around the 38th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings.

This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction in Mount Eliza comprises 88% standalone homes and 12% medium to high-density housing, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 465 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate that Mount Eliza will add approximately 1,805 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Mount Eliza has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Mount Eliza's Canadian Bay Carpark project, Mount Eliza Landfill Capping Rehabilitation Works, Emil Madsen Reserve - East Pavilion in Mount Eliza, and Moondah Mansion Retirement Village. The following list details those most relevant:.

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Employment conditions in Mount Eliza rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mount Eliza has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%.

As of September 2025, there are 9,681 residents in work and the unemployment rate stands at 3.5%. Workforce participation is lower compared to Greater Melbourne, at 63.8% versus 71.0%. Census responses indicate that 39.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment in Mount Eliza is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors.

Notably, employment levels in education & training are at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 2.2% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, while the labour force grew by 2.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a rise in unemployment to 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Eliza's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years. However, these extrapolations do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mount Eliza SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $62,743 and an average of $104,226. These figures are notably high compared to national levels and Greater Melbourne's median ($57,688) and average ($75,164). With Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,919 (median) and $112,825 (average). Census data indicates household incomes rank at the 91st percentile ($2,547 weekly). Income distribution shows 29.2% of residents earn over $4000 weekly, contrasting with the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 (32.8%). A substantial presence of high earners is evident, with 42.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Mount Eliza's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Eliza stood at 46.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.2% and rented dwellings at 8.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Mount Eliza was recorded at $512, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Mount Eliza's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 82.2% of all households, including 44.0% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.8%, with lone person households at 16.9% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Mount Eliza demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Mount Eliza, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is notably higher at 37.9% compared to the broader SA4 region (23.5%) and SA3 area (25.0%). This educational advantage is driven by a high number of Bachelor degree holders (25.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.5% of residents possessing such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (16.9%). Mount Eliza's educational participation is marked by a high proportion of residents currently enrolled in formal education (31.6%), with primary (11.6%), secondary (10.5%), and tertiary (4.7%) education being the main areas of focus.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Eliza has 31 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by five distinct routes, offering a total of 771 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered limited, with residents on average located 669 meters from their nearest stop. Most Mount Eliza residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (94%). Vehicle ownership stands at 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 39.6% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 110 trips daily, equating to roughly 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Eliza's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Mount Eliza's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (13,927 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.8 and 7.0% of residents respectively, while 71.5% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.

Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. Mount Eliza has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (4,643 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings.

Mount Eliza ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Eliza, surveyed in June 2021, had a low cultural diversity with 77.0% of its population born in Australia and 90.9% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 93.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.6% of Mount Eliza's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, English (33.8%) and Australian (25.3%) groups were significantly higher than regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4% respectively. Irish ancestry stood at 9.3%. Other ethnicities with notable representation included Scottish at 9.1%, Dutch at 1.7%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Mount Eliza hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Mount Eliza is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mount Eliza has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (9.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.8% to 13.7%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 7.7% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 4.9% to 3.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mount Eliza's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 106%, reaching 1,290 people from 626. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.