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 2,629 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 20.6% 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Chirnside Park has experienced around 104 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 524 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY-26. Based on an average of 2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these 5 years, supply and demand appears well-balanced, creating stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has moderated to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting improved supply-demand balance.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $446,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This year alone, there have been $60.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Chirnside Park records 119.0% more development activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. New building activity shows 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 98.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 64 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Future projections show Chirnside Park adding 2,587 residents by 2041, based on 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Chirnside Park Structure Plan, Chirnside Park Shopping Centre Refresh, Brushy Creek Recycled Water Project, and Proposed Cave Hill Railway Station. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Chirnside Park well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Chirnside Park has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4%. As of September 2025, 6,860 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 26.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries included construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction had particularly high representation at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 7.2%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 0.9%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Chirnside Park's local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Chirnside Park's median income among taxpayers is $54,426. The average income in the suburb is $67,718. These figures align with national averages. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $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 that household, family, and personal incomes in Chirnside Park cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 34.6% of the population, equivalent to 4,341 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This pattern is similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income. Residents' strong earnings rank them within 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 structures, 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 was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent in Chirnside Park was recorded at $443, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Chirnside Park's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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% of all households, including 40.7% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.3%, consisting of lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 1.7%. 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 prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (24.9%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, comprising primary education (9.6%), secondary education (7.6%), and tertiary education (4.4%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Chirnside Park shows that there are currently 39 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 22 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 4,352 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located approximately 469 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Chirnside Park is primarily residential, most residents commute outward towards other areas for work or leisure. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation, with a high ownership rate of 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, a significant 26.0% of residents work from home. The service frequency averages at 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 as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health issues.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 54% (~6,725 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent, affecting 8.1 and 8.0% respectively, while 69.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.8% (2,359 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning 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. The predominant religion in Chirnside Park is Christianity, comprising 47.4% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.1%), Australian (26.6%), and Irish (7.1%). These percentages are substantially higher than their respective regional averages: English (20.1%), Australian (18.4%). Additionally, Dutch representation is notably overrepresented at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, Italian at 5.3% versus 5.2%, and Sri Lankan at 0.4% against the regional 0.8%.

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

The median age in Chirnside Park is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to 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 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15-24 increased from 12.0% to 13.5%, while those aged 35-44 rose 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 670 people and reaching a total of 2,226 from the previous figure of 1,555. The 0-4 age group will experience more modest growth of 4%, with an increase of just 27 residents.