Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert

An assessment of population growth drivers in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert's population is around 10,812 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 646 people (6.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,166 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,765 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,246 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 96.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,217 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 10.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert has recorded around 32 residential properties granted approval annually, with 163 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 16 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $586,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $7.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert has significantly less development activity (64.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 63.0% detached dwellings and 37.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. At around 568 people per approval, Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert shows a mature, established area.

Future projections show Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert adding 1,170 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 32 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Tunstall Village, Whitehorse Activity Centres Program, Havenwood Townhouses, and Wembley Hill Townhomes, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 conditions in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, and 2.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,310 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 48.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.7% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.3% alongside the labour force increasing by 2.3%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert SA2 is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $63,786 while the average income stands at $104,227. This contrasts to Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,048 (median) and $112,826 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert, between the 84th and 87th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $4000+ earnings band captures 28.8% of the community (3,113 individuals), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.8%. Economic strength emerges through 41.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.9% houses and 39.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 41.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (25.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $462, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 73.1% of all households, comprising 36.0% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.9%, with lone person households at 23.8% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 55.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 33.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (8.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 8.4% in primary education, and 8.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 34 active transport stops operating within Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 5,527 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 243 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 48.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 789 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 162 weekly trips per individual stop.

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (7,903 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.1% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 73.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,258 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 30.8% of its population born overseas and 25.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert is Christianity, which makes up 44.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert are English, comprising 24.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.6% of the population, and Chinese, comprising 13.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Sri Lankan is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert (vs 0.8% regionally), Greek at 1.8% (vs 2.7%) and Scottish at 8.4% (vs 5.6%).

Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert is significantly above Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 10.5% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.3% to 7.6% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.3% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Surrey Hills (East) - Mont Albert. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 22% (314 people), reaching 1,746 from 1,431. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.