Glen Iris (Vic.)

Detail

According to ABS population updates and new address validations by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Glen Iris (Vic.) has an estimated population of 27,720 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,589 people (6.1%) from the 26,131 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This change is calculated from the resident population of 27,680, which Districts estimated using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 614 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density of 3,368 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top national quartile. Recent population increases were largely driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 88.0% of the total gains.

Detail

The local workforce is highly educated, featuring a strong concentration of professional services, an unemployment rate of 2.6%, and 1.4% employment growth over the past year. As of March 2026, there are 16,586 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 2.1% lower than the 4.8% rate in Greater Melbourne. Workforce participation is at 72.6%, compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne. Census data indicates that 49.1% of residents worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures.

Detail

According to aggregated postcode-level ATO data from the 2023 financial year, local taxpayers recorded a median income of $69,570 and an average income of $127,871. These figures rank in the top national percentile and compare to $57,688 and $75,164 for Greater Melbourne. Adjusted for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 are approximately $76,263 for median income and $140,172 for average income. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes all ranking between the 90th and 90th percentiles nationally. Taxpayer data shows 32.7% of the community (9,064 individuals) earning over $4000, whereas regionally 32.8% of individuals fall into the - brackets. Financial strength is reflected in the of households earning weekly incomes above which supports high retail spending. Housing costs consume of income, placing residents in the th percentile for disposable income, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, housing structures consisted of 54.7% detached houses and 45.3% other dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across metro Melbourne. The rate of home ownership was 38.0%, which is higher than the metro average, with 33.8% of properties mortgaged and 28.2% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,830 and the median weekly rent was $450, compared to $2,000 and $390 in metro Melbourne. Locally, mortgage payments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up 70.2% of all households, consisting of 36.6% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 7.6% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.8%, with single-person households at 26.6% and group housing representing 3.3%. The median household size of 2.5 people is slightly lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational attainment is high, with 57.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are held by 36.1% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 5.3%. Vocational training is held by 17.4% of those aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 7.9%.

Detail

Public transport infrastructure consists of 87 active stops, including a combination of light rail and buses. These stops serve 15 routes, providing 14,188 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is convenient, with residents living an average of 230 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most residents commute to work outside the area. Private vehicles are the primary mode of travel at 78%, followed by trains at 10%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars per home. A high proportion of residents, 49.1%, worked from home, based on 2021 Census data which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Health indicators show strong outcomes, with low mortality and chronic illness rates across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 77% of residents (21,358 people) covered, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

The local area has a higher level of cultural diversity than most markets, with 28.5% of residents born overseas and 22.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religion at 45.8%. However, Judaism shows a notable overrepresentation, accounting for 2.3% of the population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

The median age of residents is 40, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age cohort is over-represented at 12.6% of the population, while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented at 12.5%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.3% to 13.5%, and the 15 to 24 group has risen from 13.8% to 14.9%. The 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 14.9% to 12.8%. Projections for 2041 indicate that the population aged + will grow by people (), rising from to . The combined cohorts aged and over are expected to make up of the total population growth, reflecting an aging profile, while the to and to age groups are projected to contract.

Detail

Glen Iris currently has an estimated 1,136 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 643 children aged 0-2 and 429 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 1,123 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,589. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.