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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
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Population
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rockbank - Mount Cottrell's population is around 40,385 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 22,832 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,553 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 32,872 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7,169 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 321 persons per square kilometer. Rockbank - Mount Cottrell's growth of 130.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 84.8% 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, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Considering these projections, exceptional growth is predicted over the period from 2026 to 2041, with the area expected to increase by 59,698 persons, reflecting a gain of 125.5% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell has seen approximately 1916 new homes approved annually. Between FY2021 and FY2025, around 9584 homes were approved, with an additional 863 approved in FY2026 so far. The average population increase per year for each new home constructed over the past five financial years was about 2.2 people.
New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $248,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $587.2 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Rockbank - Mount Cottrell records 373.0% more development activity per person. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. The new development consists of approximately 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.
Currently, Rockbank - Mount Cottrell reflects around 18 people per approval, indicating it is a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is expected to grow by approximately 50702 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 170 projects that may affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Melton Line Upgrade, Thornhill Park development, Woodlea Estate project, and another Woodlea Estate project. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Stockland Mt Atkinson
A 315-hectare masterplanned community delivering over 5,000 homes in Melbourne's west. The precinct includes the future Mt Atkinson Major Town Centre, which is currently in the Urban Design Framework (UDF) endorsement phase with the Department of Transport and Planning as of early 2026. Key milestones include the commencement of the $19 million Mt Atkinson Sports Reserve in late 2025 and the approval of a Local Convenience Centre by Oreana. The community integrates with the Melbourne Business Park, expected to generate significant local employment.
Melton Line Upgrade
The $650 million Melton Line Upgrade is preparing the corridor for nine-car VLocity trains, increasing capacity by 50% from 2027. The project scope includes extending platforms at Deer Park, Caroline Springs, Rockbank, and Cobblebank stations. Major construction is also underway on a new elevated four-platform Melton Station, scheduled to open in late 2026 as part of the Melton Level Crossing Removals. Additionally, a new train stabling yard is being constructed at Cobblebank to house the longer train fleet, featuring future-proofed infrastructure for potential future electrification of the line.
Thornhill Park
Thornhill Park is a masterplanned residential community in Melbourne's west, developed by Resi Ventures. The project is delivering approximately 2,800 homes across more than 20 stages. Key features include the Central Square town centre, two government primary schools, sporting reserves, linear parklands, and a wetland system. As of 2025, the project remains in the construction phase with multiple stages under development and major community infrastructure being delivered to support the growing population of over 7,000 residents.
Woodlea Estate
Woodlea is a 711 hectare masterplanned residential community in Aintree and Bonnie Brook in Melbourne's western growth corridor. The project is being delivered as a joint venture between Mirvac and Victoria Investments and Properties (VIP) and will ultimately deliver around 7,000 homes together with a major and local town centre, schools, childcare, community facilities, large areas of open space and sporting fields. The community already includes the HomeCo Woodlea Town Centre with Coles and specialty retail, multiple schools and an emerging active open space and skate park precinct. Construction is progressing in stages, with more than 14,000 residents now living in the estate and substantial completion expected between 2030 and 2035.
Bridgefield Estate
Bridgefield is a completed 91 hectare masterplanned residential community in Rockbank in Melbourne's western growth corridor. The 1002 lot estate will be home to around 3,000 residents and features landscaped parks and wetlands, a private residents club with pool, gym and tennis courts, and convenient access to Rockbank train station, future schools and a planned local activity centre and town centre.
Kororoit Part 2 Precinct Structure Plan
Major residential and environmental precinct planning for urban development integrated with the 215-hectare Kororoit Creek Regional Park. The project excludes the approved regional park area and focuses on sustainable urban development around conservation areas with habitat for growling grass frogs and native grasslands. Project commenced planning phase in mid-2022 with recent landowner engagement activities in early 2025.
Woodlea Estate
Woodlea is a 711 hectare greenfield masterplanned house and land community located about 29km west of Melbourne CBD in Aintree, Bonnie Brook and Rockbank within the City of Melton. The project is being delivered by Mirvac and Victoria Investments Properties and will ultimately provide around 7,000 residential lots plus townhouses, a town centre, schools, parks and community facilities for roughly 20,000 residents, with more than 14,000 to 16,000 people already living in the estate and a new display village, sales and experience centre and active open space precinct completed or underway. Staged construction and lot settlements are planned to continue through to around FY32, with the Local Town Centre open since 2021 and further community, retail and sporting infrastructure rolling out as the remaining neighbourhoods are delivered. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre
The Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a two-storey all-electric aquatic and leisure facility in Fraser Rise, featuring a 50m 8-lane competition pool, indoor splash play areas, water slides, spas, sauna, Australia's first sensory aquatic space, health and fitness areas, allied health spaces, an outdoor interactive water play area with beach-style access, change facilities, caf‚, meeting/function spaces, and a rooftop deck. Designed for 5-star Green Star accreditation with a focus on wellbeing, accessibility, and inclusion. Construction commenced in November 2025, with opening anticipated in 2028.
Employment
Employment conditions in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 6.3%. As of September 2025, there were 15,127 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.
Workforce participation was lower at 66.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 23.5% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction sectors. The area has a specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.
Professional & technical jobs are under-represented at 6.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There is one employed person for every resident. Over the past year, employment increased by 6.3% while labour force grew by 7.8%, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 predict overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rockbank - Mount Cottrell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% in five years and 13.6% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Rockbank - Mount Cottrell SA2 has lower income compared to the national average. The median income is $55,864 and the average income stands at $63,076. In contrast, Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 with an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rockbank - Mount Cottrell would be approximately $60,473 (median) and $68,280 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 46.4% of locals (18,738 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 19.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell stood at 9.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 66.3% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,017, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Rockbank - Mount Cottrell's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 84.3% of all households, including 53.5% couples with children, 20.8% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.7%, with lone person households at 13.6% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Rockbank - Mount Cottrell exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
In Rockbank - Mount Cottrell, educational attainment notably exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 34.7% possess university qualifications, compared to the SA3 area's 24.3%. This significant educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%).
Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 15.3%. Educational participation is notably high, with 42.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.6% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell has 45 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 13 individual routes that facilitate 4,180 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 1,034 meters from the nearest stop. The area, being primarily residential, sees most residents commuting outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 88%, while train accounts for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 23.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 597 trips per day, equating to approximately 92 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell shows excellent health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment. The prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low. Approximately half (50%) of the total population (~20,354 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.0% of residents) and mental health issues (4.0%), while 84.6% report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Only 3.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,534 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Rockbank - Mount Cottrell rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Rockbank-Mount Cottrell is among the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 48.1% of its population born overseas and 62.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Rockbank-Mount Cottrell is Christianity, comprising 39.5% of people. However, the category 'Other' is significantly overrepresented, making up 17.4% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.
In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other at 31.5%, Indian at 15.9%, and Australian at 10.6%. Notably, Filipino (6.4%), Maltese (4.2%), and Samoan (1.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.3%, 1.1%, and 0.3% respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
Rockbank - Mount Cottrell's median age at 31 years is notably below the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Rockbank - Mount Cottrell has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (25.5%) but fewer individuals aged 55-64 (4.7%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.3%. Between 2021 and present, the age group 5 to 14 has grown from 13.8% to 17.9%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 21.9% to 25.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group declined from 26.4% to 19.5%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Rockbank - Mount Cottrell's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 35 to 44 age cohort projected to expand substantially, increasing by 11,359 people (110%) from 10,298 to 21,658.