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 November 2025 the estimated population of the Coldstream (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,210. This reflects an increase of 11 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,199. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,180 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, the Coldstream (Vic.) (SA2) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 53.0% 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 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. Examining future population trends, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with the Coldstream (Vic.) (SA2) expected to expand by 374 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.2% in total 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 in Coldstream shows an average of approximately one new dwelling approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling around eight homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 6.8 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply.

This has typically resulted in price growth and increased buyer competition compared to Greater Melbourne, where Coldstream records markedly lower building activity, 82.0% below regional average per person. The limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, although development activity has picked up recently. Nationally, the area's level of construction is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. All new constructions in Coldstream have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 564 people.

Future projections indicate Coldstream adding 447 residents by 2041, potentially leading to housing supply lagging behind population growth if current construction levels persist, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Coldstream has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Eight projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, notably including Yarra Valley Trail Stage 1, Lilydale Food Waste to Energy Project, Kinley Estate (Former Lilydale Quarry), and Lilydale Structure Plan Implementation.

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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a 2.4% unemployment rate and 1.2% employment growth in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 1,291 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation is 67.0%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include construction, manufacturing, and retail trade, but professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There are 1.9 workers per resident, indicating Coldstream functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force by 0.8%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force by 3.3%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts (May-25) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coldstream's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.7% in five years and 12.0% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data shows that for financial year 2023, Coldstream's median income is $55,040 and average income is $69,593. This is slightly above the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). By September 2025, based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, median income in Coldstream is estimated to be approximately $59,581 and average income around $75,334. The 2021 Census indicates that incomes in Coldstream cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 38.4% of residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses. Coldstream's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile nationally.

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

In Coldstream, as per the latest Census evaluation, 99.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 0.9% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coldstream was at 35%, similar to Melbourne's metro level, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.4% and rented ones at 13.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,809, lower than Melbourne's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $371, compared to Melbourne's $380. Nationally, Coldstream's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than 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 comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is high at 27.4%, with 10.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows that there are currently 15 active public transport stops operating within Coldstream. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 3 individual routes providing service to the area. Collectively, these routes offer 192 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility in Coldstream as good, with residents typically located an average of 224 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 27 trips per day, which equates to approximately 12 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 (~1,200 people) have private health cover, a rate found to be fairly high. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.2 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's figure of 66.9%. As of 31 December 2020, 17.7% of Coldstream's residents are aged 65 and over (391 people), which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 19.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Coldstream are particularly strong, performing even 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 was found to have 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 in Coldstream, comprising 40.8% of its population. However, Judaism is notably underrepresented, making up 0.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.4%), Australian (30.6%), and Scottish (7.7%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Dutch are overrepresented at 3.5% (regional average is 3.2%), Hungarians at 0.5% (regional average is 0.3%), and French at 0.7% (regional average is 0.5%).

Coldstream's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coldstream has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's average age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 12.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 13.7%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.0% to 6.5% of the population. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Coldstream's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 57%, adding 82 people and reaching a total of 226 from its previous count of 143. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 7%, with an increase of 9 people.