Coldstream (Vic.)

Coldstream is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of the suburb of Coldstream (Vic.) is around 2,204 people. This reflects an increase of 5 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,199 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,181 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Coldstream has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with the suburb expected to expand by 372 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 20.5% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Coldstream averaged approximately one new dwelling approval annually. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated five homes were approved, with none so far in FY26.

This results in around 10.8 new residents per year for every home built during these years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Coldstream has significantly less development activity, being 89.0% below the regional average per person. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing mix of 99.0% houses. By 2041, Coldstream is projected to grow by 451 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.

Looking ahead, Coldstream is expected to grow by 451 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Coldstream has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the area. Notable ones are Yarra Valley Trail Stage 1, Lilydale Food Waste to Energy Project, Kinley Estate (formerly Lilydale Quarry), and Lilydale Structure Plan Implementation. 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.

Coldstream ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Coldstream has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent.

Unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of June 2025, 1,280 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation is 67.0%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Coldstream specializes in construction jobs, with a share of 2.1 times the regional level. Professional & technical jobs are under-represented at 4.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There are 1.9 workers per resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0%, labour force grew by 0.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coldstream's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Coldstream's median income among taxpayers was $55,040 and average income stood at $69,593 in financial year 2022. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $61,733 and average income is around $78,056 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Coldstream cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 38.4% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 846 residents falling into this range. This pattern is similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupy the same income range. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Coldstream is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Coldstream's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.1% houses and 0.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coldstream was at 35.0%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (51.4%) or rented (13.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,809, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950 and also below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Coldstream was $371, compared to Melbourne metro's $380 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.0% of all households, including 37.7% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.0%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Coldstream aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is high at 27.4%, including primary education (10.5%), secondary education (7.3%), and tertiary education (3.0%).

There are two schools serving 109 students: Coldstream Primary School and Lyrebird College. The area has balanced educational opportunities with an ICSEA score of 1030. However, local school capacity is limited at 5.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 15 active stops operating in Coldstream, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three distinct routes, collectively facilitating 310 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 224 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 44 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Coldstream are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Coldstream's health indicators show below-average results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% of Coldstream's total population (~1,197 people) has private health cover, which is relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.2%) and mental health issues (8.4%). In comparison, 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's figure. Coldstream has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.6% (387 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Coldstream are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Coldstream is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Coldstream's population shows low cultural diversity, with 87.4% born in Australia, 92.0% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by others not specified. Judaism is underrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.0% of Coldstream's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.4%), Australian (30.6%), and Scottish (7.7%). Dutch, Hungarian, and French ethnicities are overrepresented in Coldstream relative to regional averages.

Coldstream's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coldstream's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and remaining comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 12.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort stands at 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.0% to 6.5% of Coldstream's population. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coldstream's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 58%, adding 82 people and reaching a total of 226 from the previous figure of 143. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 6%, with an increase of 9 people.