Coburg

Coburg has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Coburg is estimated at around 30,237 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,663 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 26,574 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 28,748 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 555 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,369 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coburg's growth rate of 13.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 14,628 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 43.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Coburg averaged approximately 297 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling an estimated 1,486 homes. As of FY-26, 33 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during this period, indicating supply met or exceeded demand and supported potential population growth while offering greater buyer choice. The average construction value of new homes was $456,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

Commercial approvals in FY-26 totalled $5.7 million, reflecting limited commercial development focus. Coburg's development levels per capita are similar to Greater Melbourne's, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas despite recent activity increases. New building activity comprised 7.0% detached houses and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of 65.0% houses. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 76 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Coburg is projected to add 13,204 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and driving price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 42 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Pentridge Precinct, Coburg Health and Community Services Precinct, Holstep Health Community Hub (Coburg), and Sydney Road Transport Corridor Upgrade. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 employment landscape in Coburg shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Coburg has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 7.0% as of the past year. Employment growth over this period was estimated at 4.9%.

As of September 2025, 16,786 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Coburg was broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 44.1% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area had a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction employed only 6.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.9%, alongside labour force growth of 4.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coburg's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows that Coburg's median income is $58,713 and average income is $73,658. This is higher than the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $63,557 and average income around $79,735, based on an 8.25% increase from the financial year 2023 Wage Price Index growth. Census data indicates that incomes in Coburg cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. The most common income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 31.5% of residents (9,524 people) falling into this category. This mirrors the broader area where 32.8% also occupy this range. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 31.4% of households, indicating strong consumer spending potential. Housing accounts for 15.0% of income, with residents ranking in the 72nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Coburg's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.2% houses and 34.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coburg stood at 33.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (34.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Coburg was $430, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Coburg's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Coburg features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.8% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 9.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Coburg's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 45.4% hold university qualifications, exceeding Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%).

Vocational pathways account for 21.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 12.1%. Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in tertiary education, 7.6% in primary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Coburg has 134 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 16 routes, facilitating 12,727 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents on average located 174 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 67%, followed by trains at 10% and cycling at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 44.1% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,818 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 94 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map illustrates the 100 nearest stops relative to the location's centrepoint.

Coburg's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Coburg's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence have been assessed by AreaSearch, showing common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very high, at approximately 56% of the total population (around 16,908 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 11.5 and 8.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population in Coburg are generally typical. The area has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,172 people), which is lower than the 15.1% found in Greater Melbourne. National rankings for health indicators are broadly in line with those of the general population.

Coburg 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

Coburg has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 30.7% of its population born overseas and 32.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Coburg, making up 39.1% of people. Islam is overrepresented, comprising 6.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.6%), Australian (16.6%), and Italian (12.1%), the latter being substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Notably, Greek (5.7%) is overrepresented in Coburg compared to the region's 2.7%, as are Lebanese (3.6% vs 0.8%) and Maltese (1.0% vs 1.1%).

Coburg's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coburg has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 19.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent in Coburg at 8.8%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.2% to 12.2% of Coburg's population. During this period, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 10.0% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coburg's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 58%, adding 2,345 people and reaching a total of 6,367 from its previous figure of 4,021.