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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Canadian is around 4,316. This figure reflects an increase of 218 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,098 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,238, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 150 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 554 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 5.3% since the census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the non-metro area's growth rate of 6.0%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 1,555 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 32.3% in total 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Canadian recorded approximately 29 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 145 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.7 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of these properties is $356,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $135,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Canadian has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 55th percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from existing housing patterns that are currently 86.0% houses.

This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Canadian has a population density of approximately 287 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Canadian is expected to grow by 1,394 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Canadian has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones 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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The labour market in Canadian demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Canadian has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 7.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, there are 2,263 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Canadian is high at 62.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, the area specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.0% of local workers, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 7.0%, and labour force grew by 6.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment decreased by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Canadian's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Canadian's median income among taxpayers was $52,817 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $67,948 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $59,240 (median) and $76,210 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Canadian, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.6% of residents (1,363 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. 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 most recent Census evaluation, 86.2% of dwellings were houses while 13.9% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Canada stood at 28.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent figure in Canada was $300, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Canadian's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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, consisting of 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 making up 5.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with 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 at 28.6% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.0% and certificates make up 23.7%.

Educational participation is high at 29.6%, including 9.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education. Canadian Lead Primary School serves the local area with an enrollment of 216 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School capacity is limited locally at 5.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.9, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 11 active public transport stops in Canadian city. These stops offer bus services via two routes, serving a total of 586 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 344 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 83 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 53 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 common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~2,317 people) have private health coverage, compared to 50.9% in the rest of Victoria.

Mental health issues affect 12.2% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.0%. Sixty-one point three percent declare no medical ailments, compared to 62.3% in the rest of Victoria. Nineteen point seven percent are aged 65 and over (850 people), higher than the 17.8% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line 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 population was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.9% being citizens, 86.3% born in Australia, and 90.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Canadian is Christianity, comprising 42.7% of its population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other religions, which comprises 1.5% compared to 1.0% across Rest of Vic..

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (29.8%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (11.1%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is 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, which is significantly below the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 18.4% of Canadian's population, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort makes up 8.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has grown from 16.1% to 18.4%, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 10.4%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 10.1% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for Canadian indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 63%, adding 503 people, reaching a total of 1,298 from its current figure of 794. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4%, with an increase of only 23 people.