Canadian

Canadian lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Canadian statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 4,266 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 168 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,098. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,184 in June 2024 and an additional 150 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 547 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is employing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Canadian (SA2) is projected to experience a significant population increase of 1,561 persons, reflecting a total gain of 34.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Canadian has recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 143 homes. In FY-26 so far, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.7 new residents arrive per new home constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

New supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new properties is $356,000. In this financial year, $8,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Canadian has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 54th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

New development consists of 69.0% detached dwellings and 31.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options. This creates a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 86.0% houses. With around 297 people per dwelling approval, Canadian shows characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Canadian is expected to grow by 1,450 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Canadian has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to affect this region. Notable initiatives include Urban Ripple: Restoring our Yarrowee River and its Little Creeks, Sovereign Hill Master Plan: Gold Vault, Sebastopol Community Hub, and Delacombe Town Centre Stage 3. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Canadian remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Canadian's workforce is skilled with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of September 2025, there were 2,242 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, 0.1% below Rest of Vic.'s rate. Workforce participation was at 62.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area had a specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, at 1.0% of Canadian's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of Vic.. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force by 1.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov showed VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Canadian. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, with differing rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Canadian's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Canadian is approximately average nationally. The median income is $52,817 while the average income stands at $67,948. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,174 (median) and $73,554 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Canadian, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.6% of the community (1,348 individuals), similar to the surrounding region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 32nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Canadian is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Canada, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 13.9% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was composed of 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Canada stood at 28.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (36.3%) or rented (35.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,387, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Canadian's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Canadian features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.8% of all households, including 25.6% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

Canadian shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 28.6% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7%. This reflects the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 23.7%. Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 11 active stops operating within Canadian, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 2 routes, collectively facilitating 508 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 344 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 72 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Canadian is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges among Canadians, with notable prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health coverage stands at approximately 54%, covering about 2,290 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 12.2% and 10.0% of residents respectively. About 61.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.3% in Rest of Vic.. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.8%, with approximately 844 people, compared to the 17.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

Canadian ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Canadian's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.9% of its population being citizens, 86.3% born in Australia, and 90.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Canadian, making up 42.7% of people there. However, Other religions are overrepresented, comprising 1.5% of Canadian's population compared to 1.0% across Rest of Vic..

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (29.8%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (11.1%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is slightly overrepresented at 2.2%, Scottish at 8.8%, and South African at 0.4%.

Canadian's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Canadian is 36 years, significantly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 18.3% of the population compared to Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort makes up 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 16.1% to 18.3%, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.4%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 10.1% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Canadian, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 67%, reaching 1,300 people from 780. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 6% (31 people).