Canterbury (Vic.)

Canterbury has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Canterbury (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 8,209 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 409 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,800 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,200 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,614 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Canterbury's 5.2% growth since census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the Canterbury (Vic.) (SA2) expected to grow by 294 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Canterbury 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, Canterbury has recorded around 33 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 169 homes. As of April 2026, 20 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. The area has experienced population decline, indicating that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $1,753,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $12.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Canterbury shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 67th percentile of areas assessed nationally based on AreaSearch data up to June 2021. Recent construction comprises 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of currently 65.0% houses. Canterbury reflects a low density area with around 202 people per approval. Future projections show Canterbury adding 83 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate as of June 2021). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Maling Road Mixed-Use Development (Canterbury Hill), Glyndon Residences, Highfield Park Residential Estate, and 359-365 Canterbury Road Retail Development. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Canterbury positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Canterbury has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 4,179 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation in Canterbury is 58.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical employment, with a share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many Canterbury residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, while the labour force grew by 2.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Canterbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.2% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Canterbury had a median income among taxpayers of $65,247 with an average level of $126,680. Nationally, this places Canterbury in the top percentile. In Greater Melbourne, these figures were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Canterbury are approximately $70,630 (median) and $137,131 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Canterbury rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 95th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 37.7% of Canterbury's community earns over $4,000 per week (3,094 individuals), contrasting with the surrounding region where the leading income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 at 32.8%. The substantial proportion of high earners (48.8% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Canterbury displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Canterbury's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.7% houses and 35.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Canterbury was at 49.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,500, while the median weekly rent figure was $515. Nationally, Canterbury's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.3% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Canterbury places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Canterbury's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications at 57.0%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. The area has a strong educational advantage with bachelor degrees leading at 34.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational pathways account for 15.5% of qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (6.7%). Educational participation is high with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including secondary (10.5%), primary (9.0%), and tertiary education (8.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 8.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Canterbury has 30 active public transport stops operating currently. These include a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. There are eight individual routes running in total, serving 5,078 weekly passenger trips combined.

The accessibility to these transport options is rated as good, with residents typically residing around 215 meters away from the nearest stop. The average service frequency across all routes is 725 trips per day, which equates to approximately 169 weekly trips per individual stop.

Canterbury's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Canterbury residents. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 77% of the total population (6286 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.8% and 6.8% of residents respectively. 71.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.8% in Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, 26.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (2175 people), higher than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Canterbury was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Canterbury's cultural diversity surpassed most local markets, with 32.5% of its population born overseas and 27.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Canterbury, accounting for 45.5% of the population. Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation in Canterbury compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.6% versus 0.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.3%), Australian (19.4%), and Chinese (14.7%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Sri Lankan was slightly higher at 0.8% in Canterbury compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Russian was also higher at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Vietnamese remained consistent at 1.2%.

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

The median age in Canterbury is 46 years, notably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, which is also above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 age cohort is over-represented in Canterbury at 9.5%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7%. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.4% to 9.5% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 14.9% to 16.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.1% to 12.4%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Canterbury. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 328 people (42%), from 779 to 1,108. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.