Templestowe
Statistical Area - sa2

Templestowe is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Templestowe's population is approximately 17,542 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 576 people, a 3.4% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 16,966. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 17,472 in June 2024 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,088 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of Templestowe's recent population growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they utilise Victoria State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate a median national statistical area increase, with Templestowe expected to grow by 1,491 persons by 2041, an 8.1% total gain over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Templestowe according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Templestowe has recorded approximately 54 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 271 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-2021 to FY-2025. As of June 2026, 12 residential properties have been approved this financial year. The area has experienced population decline, yet development activity has been relatively adequate, which could be beneficial for buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $957,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-2026, $17.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Templestowe has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 41st percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice, which supports interest in existing homes. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 32.0% detached dwellings and 68.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This is a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 78.0% houses, potentially due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 406 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Templestowe will gain 1,416 residents by the year 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.

Templestowe has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include North East Link, Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Tram Road to Springvale Road, Templestowe Route Upgrade, Ruffey Lake Park Pedestrian Trail, and Eastern Freeway Upgrades. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Templestowe has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Templestowe has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%.

As of June 2025, 8,944 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.8% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation lagged at 56.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Templestowe had a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, transport, postal & warehousing was under-represented, with only 3.1% of Templestowe's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, and labour force increased by 3.1%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year (adding 39,880 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggested that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Templestowe's employment mix indicated local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

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

The AreaSearch latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows Templestowe's median income at $50,113 and average income at $87,583. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. By March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $55,179 (median) and $96,438 (average), accounting for a 10.11% Wage Price Index growth since the financial year ending June 2022. The 2021 Census data ranks Templestowe's household income at the 76th percentile ($2,163 weekly) and personal income at the 45th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 28.2% of Templestowe residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,946 individuals), consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.8% in the same category. The substantial proportion of high earners (35.6%) indicates strong economic capacity. Housing costs account for 14.0% of income, ranking residents within the 78th percentile for disposable income. Templestowe's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Templestowe is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Templestowe, as recorded in the latest Census, 77.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 22.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This differed from Melbourne metropolitan area's composition of 67.1% houses and 32.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Templestowe stood at 48.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.7% and rented ones at 14.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,700, surpassing Melbourne metro's average of $2,400. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Templestowe was $513 compared to Melbourne metro's $462. Nationally, Templestowe's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Templestowe features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 81.9% of all households, including 42.7% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.1%, with lone person households at 16.9% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Templestowe shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Templestowe is notably high, with 42.7% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.2%, and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational pathways account for 22.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 12.0%.

Educational participation is also high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education. Templestowe's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,861 students as of the latest data. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Templestowe demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1120.

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

Templestowe has 108 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses along 21 routes. Together, these provide 7,385 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 219 meters to the nearest stop. The services run approximately 68 trips per week at each stop, with an average daily frequency of 1,055 trips across all routes.

The level of general health in Templestowe is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Templestowe exhibits superior health outcomes for both young and elderly cohorts, with low prevalence of common health conditions. It has a high private health cover rate of approximately 64%, covering 11,191 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 55.0% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.5%) and mental health issues (5.4%).

A total of 72.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. Templestowe has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.0%, or 4,383 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 22.8%. Health outcomes among the elderly are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

Templestowe is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Templestowe has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.8% of its population born overseas and 46.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Templestowe, comprising 51.9% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.4% of Templestowe's population versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (19.7%), English (15.0%), and Australian (13.4%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Greek is overrepresented at 7.8%, Italian at 9.4%, and Macedonian at 0.9%.

Templestowe hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Templestowe is 46 years, which is notably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, and also exceeds the Australian median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne's average, the cohort aged 75-84 is significantly over-represented in Templestowe, making up 9.1% of its population, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.5%. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, the age group 5-14 has grown from 11.2% to 12.5% of Templestowe's population since the last census. Conversely, the age group 55-64 has declined from 14.5% to 13.6%. Population forecasts for Templestowe in the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The cohort aged 85 and above is projected to grow significantly, with an increase of 600 people (an 84% rise) from 713 to 1,314 individuals. This growth is part of a broader aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of the projected population growth. In contrast, the age groups 5-14 and 0-4 are expected to experience population declines.