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 16,340 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,545 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,795 people. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates of 16,329 in June 2025 and validated new addresses totalling 313 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,411 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's growth rate of 10.4% since the 2021 census exceeds both state (9.3%) and national averages, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.8% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Reservoir - North East is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 7,676 persons, reflecting a total increase of 46.9% over the 16-year period.

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

Reservoir North East has averaged approximately 118 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 590 homes approved during this period. In the current financial year, FY26, 66 dwellings have been approved so far. The average population growth associated with these approvals has been around 0.7 people per dwelling annually over the past five years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding 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 is $243,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial development approvals have totalled $210,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir North East shows comparable new home approvals per capita, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. The recent development trend consists of 26% standalone homes and 74% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living that caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 55% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and a response to changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 137 people per dwelling approval, Reservoir North East exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain around 7,665 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to influence the region. Key initiatives include Suburban Rail Loop North, Reservoir Leisure Centre Redevelopment, The Plenty Residences, and M80 Ring Road Completion. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of December 2024, with estimated employment growth of 1.1%. By December 2025, the unemployment rate rose to 5.0%, 0.2% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's at 69.9%. Census responses showed 30.8% worked from home. Leading industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Retail trade employed only 8.7%, below Greater Melbourne's 9.8%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1% while labour force grew by 1.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded higher growth rates during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these 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 income of $74,075 in the 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. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $69,392 (median) and $81,201 (average), based on a 9.62% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in Reservoir - North East, between the 38th and 43rd percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 33.8% of locals (5,522 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, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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

Reservoir - North East had 55.4% houses and 44.6% other dwellings as of the latest Census, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Reservoir - North East stood at 27.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 39.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Reservoir - North East was $358, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments were similar at $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 the most prevalent at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 28.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 17.0%. Educational participation is high at 27.1%, with 7.0% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing 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 8 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. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 78% of residents, 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 individual 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. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population, around 9,166 people. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 9.4% of residents and arthritis impacting 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 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over, around 2,398 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 main religion in Reservoir - North East, comprising 46.1%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.4% versus 4.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (15.5%), Australian (15.1%), and Other (14.4%). Notably, Greeks (6.6%) and Italians (11.5%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.7% and 5.2%, respectively. Macedonians also show higher representation at 2.6%.

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 years and slightly below Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir-North East has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.3%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 16.4% to 18.6%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 9.8% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest that Reservoir-North East's age profile will significantly change, with the strongest growth expected in the 25-34 age group, which is projected to grow by 36%, adding 1,308 residents and reaching a total of 4,946.