Reservoir - South East

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

Reservoir - South East's population was approximately 14,217 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,418 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,799. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,875 in June 2024 and an additional 390 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,401 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth rate of 11.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 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. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 6,754 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 45.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Reservoir - South East has seen approximately 126 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 633 homes were approved, with an additional 36 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 0.6 new residents per year have been arriving for each new home over these five years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings has been around $260,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. This financial year, there have been approximately $1.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir - South East shows moderately higher building activity, with 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development in the area consists of approximately 18.0% detached dwellings and 82.0% attached dwellings.

This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently around 62.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With approximately 134 people per approval, Reservoir - South East reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by around 6,412 residents through to 2041. 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 - South East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

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

Employment drivers in Reservoir - South East are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Reservoir - South East has an unemployment rate of 6.2% as of September 2025. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

The area had estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year. In September 2025, 7,259 residents were in work. Workforce participation in Reservoir - South East was 57.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical employs only 8.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment levels increased by 0.8% and labour force increased by 0.5% in Reservoir - South East during the year to September 2025, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Reservoir - South East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows that Reservoir - South East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $53,397 and an average income of $63,288. These figures are slightly lower than the national averages of $54,892 and $73,761 for Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,890 (median) and $70,984 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Reservoir - South East rank modestly, between the 25th and 28th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 29.8% earning $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (4,236 residents), reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Reservoir - South East had 61.6% houses and 38.5% other dwellings in its dwelling structure as of the latest Census, compared to Melbourne metro's 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Reservoir - South East was 29.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.2% and rented ones at 43.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,967, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $349, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Reservoir - South East's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,967 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $349 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 58.4% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 21.2% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.6%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households at 6.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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

Reservoir-South East has a university qualification rate of 34.5%, slightly higher than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 16.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.7% in primary education, 7.7% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Reservoir - South East has 98 active public transport stops offering lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 8 routes that facilitate 6,744 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 143 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

All routes combined run 963 trips daily, which equates to about 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Reservoir - South East is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Reservoir South East faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across various age groups, but notably higher among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% of its total population (~7,279 people) has private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.3%) and arthritis (8%). About 69.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.0% (2,554 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Reservoir - South 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-South East has a high cultural diversity, with 37.3% of its population born overseas and 41.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Reservoir-South East, comprising 46.8% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 7.1% versus 6.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.8%), Australian (15.1%), and Other (13.1%). Notably, Greek (6.5%) and Italian (10.9%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.1% and 12.3%, respectively. Macedonian representation stands at 2.1%, matching the regional average.

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

The median age in Reservoir - South East is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir - South East has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the population aged 45-54 has declined from 12.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, Reservoir - South East is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 61%, reaching 2,580 people from 1,603.