Mount Martha

Population growth drivers in Mount Martha are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Mount Martha's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 20,311 people. This figure represents an increase of 465 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,846. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,166 as of June 2024 and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 672 persons per square kilometer. Mount Martha's growth rate of 2.3% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

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 uses 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 demographic trends, Mount Martha is projected to have an above median population growth nationally, with an expected increase of 3,188 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 15.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Mount Martha has seen approximately 67 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 339 homes. As of FY26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average value of new homes being built is $803,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, $10.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in Mount Martha compared to Greater Melbourne. However, when measured nationally, Mount Martha places among the 49th percentile of areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 385 people, reflecting Mount Martha's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Mount Martha will gain approximately 3,043 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Mount Martha has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Mount Martha North Foreshore Toilet Renewal, Briars Wildlife Sanctuary Expansion, Briars Class A Recycled Water Project, and Mount Martha Village Parking and Footpath Upgrade on Watson Road. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Mount Martha performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Mount Martha has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.4% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%.

There were 10,334 residents employed by September 2025, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, significantly below Greater Melbourne's figure. Workforce participation in Mount Martha was lower at 62.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 31.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors among Mount Martha residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 2.1% compared to the regional figure of 5.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, while labour force grew by 2.9%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Martha's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Mount Martha SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,136 and an average level of $86,735. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,767 (median) and $93,891 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Mount Martha cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.7% of residents (6,032 people), reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners, 32.4%, are above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Mount Martha, as recorded in the latest Census, 84.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 15.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Martha stood at 43.9%, with mortgaged properties at 43.5% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was recorded as $496, compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Mount Martha's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 78.2% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Mount Martha shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mount Martha trail has a university degree holders' percentage of 29.3% among residents aged 15+, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 14.4% and certificates at 21.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.9% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Martha has 78 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that collectively facilitate 805 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is considered good, with residents typically residing just 341 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily a residential area, most Mount Martha residents commute outward, with the car being the dominant mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 31.1% of Mount Martha residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 115 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Martha's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mount Martha. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be low among the general population, nearing the nation's average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (12,856 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1 and 7.7% of residents respectively. 67.7% 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. Mount Martha has 27.8% of residents aged 65 and over (5,646 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Mount Martha, surveyed in June 2021, had a cultural diversity index below average. Of its population, 79.1% were born in Australia, with 91.2% being citizens and 94.9% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.1%.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, Mount Martha had high percentages of English (34.1%), Australian (25.8%) and Irish (9.7%) heritage, exceeding regional averages. Other ethnicities with notable divergences included Scottish at 9.5% (regional average: 5.6%), Dutch at 1.9% (regional average: 1.2%) and Welsh at 0.7% (regional average: 0.4%).

Mount Martha hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mount Martha's median age is 47 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 11.4% of Mount Martha's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 25-34 cohort represents 4.7%, lower than Greater Melbourne's percentage. This 75-84 concentration is higher than the national average of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75-84 age group grew from 8.4% to 11.4% of Mount Martha's population, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.4% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort declined from 11.3% to 9.0%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Mount Martha's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 1,189 residents to reach 3,509. Senior residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 76% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts.