Reservoir - North East

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

Reservoir - North East's population is approximately 16,093 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,298 people, an 8.8% rise from the 2021 Census count of 14,795 residents. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 15,976 in June 2024 and an additional 296 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,359 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Over the past decade, Reservoir - North East has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 7,906 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 48.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Reservoir - North East among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Reservoir - North East averaged approximately 118 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 590 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 54 approved in FY26 as of now. The average population growth associated with these dwellings was 0.7 people per year between FY21 and FY25.

This indicates that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for future population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes in the area was $243,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $210,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir - North East has shown comparable new home approvals per capita, helping maintain market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. The current new development composition is 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 55.0% houses.

This higher-density living focus creates more affordable entry points, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 137 people per dwelling approval, Reservoir - North East exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population in Reservoir - North East is projected to grow by 7,789 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with this population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Reservoir - North East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Reservoir Leisure Centre Redevelopment, Suburban Rail Loop North, The Plenty Residences, and M80 Ring Road Completion. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Reservoir - North East has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Reservoir - North East has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 4.7% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%.

There were 9,030 residents employed during this period, with an unemployment rate that matched Greater Melbourne's figure of 4.7%. However, workforce participation in Reservoir - North East was somewhat lower than Greater Melbourne's rate, at 69.0% compared to 71.0%. According to Census responses, a high proportion of residents, 30.8%, worked from home.

This could be attributed partly to Covid-19 lockdown impacts. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. In contrast, retail trade employed only 8.7% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's figure of 9.8%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, while labour force grew by 0.5%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Reservoir - North East. These projections indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Reservoir - North East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Reservoir - North East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $63,302 and an average of $74,075 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 during the same period. As of September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% suggest a median income of approximately $68,524 and an average income of $80,186 in Reservoir - North East SA2. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly, between the 38th and 43rd percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 33.8% of locals (5,439 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Reservoir - North East displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Reservoir - North East, as evaluated at the latest Census, 55.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 44.6% being semi-detached, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Reservoir - North East was at 27.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 39.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent in the area was $358, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Reservoir - North East's mortgage repayments were similar to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.

Reservoir - North East features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.7% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.3%, with lone person households at 31.9% and group households comprising 5.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Reservoir-North East has a university qualification rate of 34.5%, slightly higher than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 28.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 17.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.0% in tertiary, 6.7% in primary, and 5.0% in secondary education.

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

Reservoir - North East has 62 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight different routes that collectively facilitate 4,375 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 192 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 78%, while 13% use trains. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 30.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 625 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 70 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Reservoir - North East is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Reservoir North East faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 56% of the total population (~9,028 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues impact 9.4% of residents, while arthritis affects 7.4%. About 69.5% of residents declare themselves 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 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,442 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Reservoir - North East is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Reservoir-North East has high cultural diversity, with 40.1% of its population born overseas and 43.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Reservoir-North East, accounting for 46.1%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.4% versus 4.4%.

Top ancestry groups are English (15.5%), Australian (15.1%), and Other (14.4%). Notably, Greek (6.6%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.7%, Italian at 11.5% (regional average: 5.2%), and Macedonian at 2.6% (regional average: 0.7%).

Reservoir - North East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Reservoir - North East has a median age of 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir - North East has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.4%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.2%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 16.4% to 18.3%, while the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 22.1% to 21.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Reservoir - North East's age profile will change significantly. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 71%, adding 1,288 residents and reaching a total of 3,110.