Mccrae (Vic.)

Detail

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of McCrae's population is estimated at around 3,260 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 51 people (1.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,311 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,259, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 759 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by Districts. Over the past decade, the suburb of McCrae has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.3% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Detail

The construction industry stands out as a key employer in McCrae, where the broader labor market shows an unemployment rate of 6.4% and steady job conditions throughout the previous twelve months, according to Districts' compilation of statistical area figures. By March 2026, the number of residents currently employed reaches 1,416, with the local unemployment rate sitting at 1.6 percentage points higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while workforce participation remains notably lower at 51.5% versus 70.2% in the metropolitan area. Census data indicates that 27.7% of household members reported working from home, a figure that may reflect lingering effects from Covid-19 lockdown measures.

Detail

According to the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year, local personal earnings are slightly higher than the national midpoint, with the median recorded at $51,661 and the average at $69,955. This is lower than the metropolitan averages for Greater Melbourne, which feature a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 9.62% from the 2023 financial year, current valuations would stand at roughly $56,631 for the median and $76,685 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census positions local household, family, and individual incomes in a modest range, placing between the 31st and 36th percentiles. Income distribution figures indicate that the $800 - 1,499 weekly bracket is the most common, capturing 29.0% of local earners (945 individuals), whereas the wider metropolitan area is led by the - bracket at . Residents retain of their earnings for non-housing costs, and the local SEIFA income metric ranks the neighborhood in the th decile.

Detail

Residential property types in this locality at the time of the latest Census consisted of 93.2% standalone houses and 6.8% other housing options such as townhouses and apartments, compared to a split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative dwellings across metropolitan Melbourne. The rate of outright home ownership was significantly higher than the metropolitan average at 54.4%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (29.9%) or occupied by tenants (15.6%). The median monthly home loan payment matched the metropolitan Melbourne average at $2,000, whereas the median weekly rental cost was $392, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $2,000 and $390 respectively. On a national scale, mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also higher than the country-wide figure of $375.

Detail

Families comprise the majority of households at 71.9%, which includes couples with children at 22.3%, couples without children at 39.7%, and single-parent households at 9.4%. The remaining 28.1% consists of non-family living arrangements, with single-person households representing 26.0% and shared group households making up 2.1%. The median household occupancy of 2.3 individuals is below the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational statistics highlight areas for improvement, as the proportion of residents with a university degree (25.0%) is considerably lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This situation presents both a hurdle and a chance for focused educational outreach. Undergraduate degrees are the most common higher qualification at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Practical and vocational qualifications are highly prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (26.9%).

Detail

Public transport services in this area feature 10 active bus stops. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, which combine to offer 351 passenger journeys each week. Transport connectivity is classified as limited, with local residents living an average of 806 meters from their nearest transit point. Being a residential neighborhood, the majority of workers travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles serving as the primary transport mode for 97% of commuters. Household car ownership stands at an average of 1.7 vehicles, higher than the metropolitan benchmark. A notable 27.7% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Detail

Evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic illness rates show excellent health outcomes throughout the area, with exceptionally low rates of prevalent health conditions across every age bracket. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is solid, held by roughly 54% of the local population (~1,776 people), compared to a coverage rate of 56.7% throughout Greater Melbourne.

Detail

The locality displays low levels of multicultural representation, with 87.0% of residents having been born in Australia, 92.4% holding citizenship, and 94.9% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 45.9% of the local population. The most disproportionately represented minority faith is Judaism, which accounts for 0.4% of the population, compared to a 1.0% share across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

With a median age of 55, the suburb of McCrae is notably exceeding the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (20.4% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (5.8%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.4% to 13.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 25 to cohort has declined from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections reveal significant shifts in the suburb of McCrae's age structure. The to age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by people () from to . Senior residents (+) will drive of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

Detail

McCrae currently has an estimated 123 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 77 children aged 0-2 and 52 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 18% by 2041 (to approximately 101 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 234. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.