Reservoir - North East
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Reservoir - North East's population is approximately 16,031 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,236 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,795. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,976 from ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 289 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,346 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 with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts and its exceptional growth placing it in the top 10 percent nationally, Reservoir - North East is expected to increase by 7,906 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 49.0% 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 has averaged approximately 152 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 764 homes approved over the past five years from FY-20 to FY-25, with an additional 20 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, only 0.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built annually between FY-20 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. This offers ample buyer choice and creates capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $381,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $210,000, highlighting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir - North East maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the existing housing composition of 55.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

The location has approximately 137 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, Reservoir - North East is projected to grow by 7,851 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Reservoir - North East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may affect this region: Reservoir Leisure Centre Redevelopment, The Plenty Residences, North East Link Project, and Hilton Garden Inn Bundoora. Details about these projects are provided below.

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

Employment conditions in Reservoir - North East remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Reservoir - North East has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of June 2025, 8,966 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. The workforce participation rate is somewhat below standard at 61.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Retail trade employs only 8.7% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 9.8%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and Victoria's employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Reservoir - North East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Reservoir - North East had a median taxpayer income of $58,983 and an average of $69,820 in financial year 2022. This was higher than the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.11% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,946 (median) and $76,879 (average). The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in Reservoir - North East, between the 38th and 43rd percentiles. The earnings profile indicated that 33.8% of locals (5,418 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability was severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Dwelling structure in Reservoir - North East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.4% houses and 44.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Reservoir - North East was 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 $371. 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 comprise 62.7 percent of all households, including 24.0 percent couples with children, 25.6 percent couples without children, and 11.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.3 percent, with lone person households at 31.9 percent and group households comprising 5.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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

Reservoir - North East has 34.5% of its residents aged 15 or above holding university qualifications, slightly higher than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent with 28.0% of residents aged 15 or above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (17.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.0% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education. The area's four schools have a combined enrollment of 819 students. Reservoir - North East has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1022) with balanced educational opportunities. It includes three primary schools and one K-12 school. However, local school capacity is limited at 5.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis in Reservoir - North East shows 62 operational transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. Eight routes serve these stops, facilitating 7,404 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located an average of 192 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,057 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 119 weekly trips per individual stop.

Reservoir - North East's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

North East's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

Common health conditions in the general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 54% of the total population (~8,720 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.4 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 69.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. There are 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,393 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader 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 significant 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, comprising 46.1% of the population. Notably, Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.4% versus 3.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (15.5%), Australian (15.1%), and Other (14.4%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences in representation: Italian at 11.5% (regional average is 12.3%), Greek at 6.6% (regional average is 6.1%), and Macedonian at 2.6% (regional average is 2.1%).

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

Reservoir-North East has a median age of 36 years, closely 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 (21.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.2%). This 25-34 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 16.4% to 18.1%, while the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 6.4% to 5.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Reservoir-North East's age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 45-54 cohort, projected to grow by 73%, adding 1,308 residents to reach a total of 3,110.