Chirnside Park

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Chirnside Park's population is estimated at around 12,548 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 769 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,779 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,506 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 565 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Chirnside Park's 6.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.0%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 40.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,638 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Chirnside Park among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Chirnside Park has experienced around 104 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 524 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years has accommodated around 2 new residents annually. However, this figure has moderated to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $446,000, slightly above the regional average. This year alone, there have been $60.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Chirnside Park records 119.0% more development activity per person. The new building activity consists of 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern, which is currently 98.0% houses. This location has approximately 64 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Chirnside Park to add 2,596 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Future projections show Chirnside Park adding 2,596 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Chirnside Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Chirnside Park Structure Plan, Chirnside Park Shopping Centre Refresh, Brushy Creek Recycled Water Project, and Proposed Cave Hill Railway Station. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Chirnside Park ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Chirnside Park has a skilled labour force with the construction sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%. As of December 2025, 6871 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.3%. According to Census responses, 26.0% of residents worked from home, with potential Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Leading employment industries were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction had particularly high representation, being 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 7.2%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, and labour force increased by 1.6%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged at 3.1%. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising to 5.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chirnside Park's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Chirnside Park's median income among taxpayers was $54,426, with an average of $67,718. These figures align with national averages. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $58,916 (median) and $73,305 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Chirnside Park cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 34.6% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This is similar to broader area patterns where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income. Residents rank in the 73rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Chirnside Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Chirnside Park's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chirnside Park was at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.9% and rented ones at 15.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $443, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Chirnside Park's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.7 percent of all households, including 40.7 percent couples with children, 28.1 percent couples without children, and 11.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.3 percent, with lone person households at 17.5 percent and group households comprising 1.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Chirnside Park shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 25.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 24.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.6% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 39 active transport stops operating in Chirnside Park, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 22 individual routes, collectively facilitating 4,352 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 469 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode of transport at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 621 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 111 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Chirnside Park is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Chirnside Park shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 54% of its total population (~6,725 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.1 and 8.0% of residents respectively. Notably, 69.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.9% (2,371 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Chirnside Park was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Chirnside Park's cultural diversity is above average, with 22.2% of its population born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chirnside Park, comprising 47.4% of the population. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.1% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.1%, regional average 20.1%), Australian (26.6%, regional average 18.4%), and Irish (7.1%). Notably, Dutch (2.6% vs regional 1.2%) and Italian (5.3% vs 5.2%) are overrepresented, while Sri Lankan is underrepresented at 0.4% compared to the region's 0.8%.

Chirnside Park's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Chirnside Park is 38 years, similar to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Chirnside Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.8%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 12.0% to 13.5%, while those aged 35-44 grew from 13.8% to 15.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 13.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, Chirnside Park's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 43%, adding 671 people and reaching a total of 2,227 from the previous figure of 1,555. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 3%, with an increase of just 21 residents.