Canterbury (Vic.)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Canterbury (Vic.) is around 8,223. This reflects an increase of 423 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,800. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,200 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,618 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Canterbury's growth rate of 5.4% since the census positions it competitively with other SA3 areas. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration 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 weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth, with Canterbury expected to grow by 278 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.6% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Canterbury recorded around 33 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 169 homes. As of July 2021 in FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, with new supply likely keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $1,753,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, $12.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Canterbury shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 67th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 65.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. Canterbury reflects a low density area with around 202 people per approval.

Future projections show Canterbury adding 48 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may affect the region. Notable ones 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 likely to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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 was 1.9% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, 4,164 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.8% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Canterbury was 61.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 49.1% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

In contrast, construction employs only 5.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, and the labour force grew by 2.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment rose by 3.0%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, but unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Canterbury's employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

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 latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Canterbury suburb had a median taxpayer income of $65,247 and an average income of $126,680. Nationally, these figures place Canterbury in the top percentile. In Greater Melbourne, median and average incomes were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $70,630 and $137,131, based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Canterbury ranking between the 85th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 37.7% of individuals earn over $4,000 annually, contrasting with surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. High earners (above $3,000/week) comprise 48.8% of Canterbury's population, indicating strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of income, reflecting robust 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 structure, 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 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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 was $3,500, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Canterbury was $515, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Canterbury's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 and above have a higher educational attainment compared to national averages. 57.0% hold university qualifications, surpassing Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (34.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational pathways account for 15.5%, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 6.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% 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 serving a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are covered by eight different routes that facilitate 5,078 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is considered good with residents located an average of 215 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 81%, while trains account for 9% and walking for 4%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 725 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 169 weekly trips per individual stop.

Canterbury's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

AreaSearch's assessment shows outstanding health outcomes in Canterbury based on mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts particularly have very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 77% of the total population (6,297 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.8% and 6.8% of residents respectively. 71.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Canterbury has 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,261 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 population showed high cultural diversity, with 32.5% born overseas and 27.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Canterbury, comprising 45.5%. Judaism's representation stood out at 0.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

Top ancestry groups were English (22.3%), Australian (19.4%), and Chinese (14.7%), exceeding regional averages of 18.5%, 14.2%, and 6.5% respectively. Some ethnic groups had notable variations: Sri Lankan at 0.8% in Canterbury versus regionally, Russian at 0.4%, and Vietnamese at 1.2%.

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

The median age in Canterbury is 46 years, notably exceeding Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and well above Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Canterbury has a higher proportion of individuals aged 75-84 (9.9% vs 7.2%), but fewer individuals aged 25-34 (6.7% vs 10%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the percentage of individuals aged 75-84 has increased from 7.4% to 9.9%, while those aged 15-24 have increased from 14.9% to 16.2%. Conversely, the percentages of individuals aged 45-54 and 5-14 have decreased to 11.8% and 11.0% respectively from 14.1% and 12.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Canterbury. The number of individuals aged 75-84 is projected to increase by 282 people (35%), from 814 to 1,097. This aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 99% of the projected growth. Conversely, the populations aged 25-34 and 0-4 are expected to decrease.