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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Coldstream (Vic.) has an estimated 2,201 residents. Density is about 40 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS population revisions and validated post-Census address records, the suburb of Coldstream (Vic.) has a population estimated at approximately 2,201 as of Aug 2026. Compared with the 2021 Census tally of 2,199 people, this represents an addition of 2 people (0.1%). This progression builds upon an ERP figure of 2,172 calculated by AreaSearch following the ABS June 2025 release, alongside 3 validated new addresses recorded post-Census. With a density ratio measuring 39 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers considerable space per resident. Natural increase served as the primary growth engine, accounting for roughly 53.0% of total recent gains in the suburb of Coldstream (Vic.).
Projections for the suburb of Coldstream (Vic.) rely on ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 datasets published in 2024 (using 2022 as the base point), supplemented where necessary by 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA figures aggregated to SA2 boundaries via weighted distribution. Age-specific growth metrics from these aggregations are projected forward across 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic models, the suburb of Coldstream (Vic.) is anticipated to experience above-median growth relative to nationwide statistical areas, expanding by 320 persons to 2041—a cumulative rise of 13.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Over the past five years, residential building approvals in Coldstream have been entirely non-existent. The locality has experienced an absence of new dwelling activity despite its established status. While potential planning restrictions or subdued market activity may explain this lack of construction, the restricted influx of new housing generally underpins existing real estate valuations. Building activity in Coldstream remains substantially depressed compared to Greater Melbourne benchmarks. Such limited residential construction tends to bolster local dwelling prices and buyer interest. Furthermore, volumes trail below the national standard, highlighting the mature character of the area alongside potential urban planning limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Coldstream (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 63 current infrastructure and development projects close to Coldstream (Vic.), worth an estimated $4.54 billion. 14 are already under construction and 19 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure programs, major developments, and council planning schemes play a decisive role in shaping community outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 8 key projects expected to influence the local area. Prominent works include the 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.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Lilydale Food Waste to Energy Facility
A $48 million anaerobic digestion facility built at Yarra Valley Water's Lilydale Sewage Treatment Plant, processing approximately 55,000 tonnes of commercial food waste annually. The facility generates up to 39,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per day - around 35 per cent of Yarra Valley Water's energy needs - powering the facility itself and the adjacent Lilydale Sewage Treatment Plant, with surplus exported to the grid. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 24,700 tonnes per year (equivalent to removing 23,000 cars from the road).The facility received its first commercial food waste delivery in late 2025 and is ramping up operations, with electricity generation expected to begin in early 2026 and full operational capacity reached over the following year. Day-to-day operations are managed by Yarra Valley Water's partner company ReWaste.
Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program
Multi-year capital works program delivering municipal-wide stormwater drainage renewal, flood mitigation, and water sensitive urban design infrastructure across the Yarra Ranges Shire. Overseen by Yarra Ranges Council, the initiative addresses aging asset renewal, overland flow risk reduction, and climate resilience across priority urban and rural catchments.
Yarra Valley Trail Stage 1
Shared trail connecting Chirnside Park to Lilydale providing safe cycling and walking infrastructure. Part of broader Yarra Valley Trail network promoting active transport and recreational opportunities in the region.
Chapel Street Lilydale Drainage Improvements
Design and construction of drainage improvements to address flooding issues in Chapel Street, Lilydale. Initially allocated $50,000 in the 2024-25 budget for investigation and design, with an additional $386,000 in the 2025-26 budget for construction.
Lilydale Structure Plan Implementation
Comprehensive strategic planning initiative to guide future development and urban renewal across Lilydale township for the next 20-30 years. Includes residential growth areas, commercial development, transport infrastructure, community facilities, environmental protection measures, improving connectivity, enhancing the public realm, supporting mixed-use development, preserving heritage character, and creating a more vibrant and sustainable community hub that integrates with transport infrastructure.
Kinley Estate (Former Lilydale Quarry)
Kinley is a 163-hectare masterplanned community transforming the former Lilydale (Cave Hill) Quarry into a sustainable, transit-oriented neighbourhood in Melbourne's east. The project will deliver approximately 3,200 dwellings across multiple precincts, including house-and-land lots, townhomes, and future apartment sites. Key features include a 6-Star Green Star Communities rating, repurposing of heritage dairy buildings, silos and kilns into a Heritage Quarter, and a future mixed-use Village Centre. Stages 1-4 are fully settled; active land releases continue in newer precincts including Heartridge.Earthworks involving over 3 million cubic metres of compacted fill are ongoing to prepare the former quarry pit for future development stages, with completion expected around 2040.
Morrison Reserve Master Plan 2024-2039
A 15-year master plan for Morrison Reserve adopted by Yarra Ranges Council on 28 May 2024. The first funded implementation stage, the Youth Activation and Bike Park project, is now under construction by Warrandale Industries following contract award. The works include an all-abilities bike park, youth activation spaces, social areas and associated public facilities, with completion expected during 2026. The broader master plan continues to guide future staged upgrades to sporting, recreation and pathway infrastructure through 2039.
Lilydale Station Upgrade and Level Crossing Removal
Major infrastructure project that relocated Lilydale Station to better integrate with the town centre, created new elevated station with improved accessibility, removed level crossings making the Lilydale line Melbourne's first boom-gate free rail line, and enhanced walking/cycling connections to the Warburton Trail.
1,250 residents of Coldstream (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 1,292. Unemployment sits at 3.3%, with participation at 74.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,643, about 166% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A review of aggregated statistical area metrics by AreaSearch indicates that Coldstream maintains a well-distributed blue- and white-collar workforce, an exceptionally strong construction footprint, a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, and consistent employment numbers over the previous year. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,250, the jobless rate sits 1.5% below the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%, and labour participation stands at 74.1% (surpassing Greater Melbourne's 70.1%). Census figures also showed that 21.1% of workers carried out their duties from home, though pandemic lockdowns during that period should be noted.
The primary employment generators for local residents consist of construction, manufacturing, and retail trade. Construction represents a distinct regional specialization, capturing an employment proportion 2.1 times higher than the broader region. Conversely, professional & technical occupations are less prevalent, making up 4.3% locally against 10.1% across the region. Recording 1.9 workers per resident at the Census, Coldstream serves as a net job destination and employment centre that draws in commuter labor. Based on ABS and SALM statistical aggregations analyzed by AreaSearch, the recent 12-month timeframe saw a 0.3% rise in employment alongside a 0.9% expansion in the workforce, driving a 0.6 percentage point increase in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded a 2.1% lift in employment, a 2.3% gain in the labour pool, and a 0.2 percentage point uptick in unemployment. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia's Mar-26 industry forecasts provide insights into prospective demand within Coldstream. Nationally, jobs are projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance differing by sector. Applying these national sector outlooks to Coldstream's local industry breakdown suggests local employment expansion of 5.7% across five years and 12.0% over ten years (calculated as a baseline weighted projection for illustrative purposes, excluding localized population dynamics).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Coldstream (Vic.) is $1,913 a week (about $99,000 a year), with median personal income at $827 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,040 a year against an average of $69,593. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to postcode-level ATO records analyzed by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, personal income in the suburb of Coldstream sits slightly above nationwide figures, showing a median of $55,040 and an average of $69,593. By comparison, Greater Melbourne registered a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 reach approximately $60,335 for the median and $76,288 for the average. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings aligned around the national 57th percentile.
The dominant income bracket comprises 845 residents (38.4% of the population) earning between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, mirroring Greater Melbourne's 32.8% concentration. Residents retain 86.1% of income following housing costs, placing the area in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Coldstream (Vic.) had 753 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 1% apartments. 51% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $371 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,809 a month. Rent absorbs 19.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that standalone houses made up 99.1% of Coldstream's housing stock, while semi-detached homes, apartments, and other configurations accounted for only 0.9%, in contrast to Melbourne metro where houses constituted 67.9% and other structures represented 32.1%. Outright home ownership reached 35.0%, significantly outpacing the metropolitan rate, with remaining properties either being purchased under a mortgage (51.4%) or leased by tenants (13.7%). Median monthly mortgage costs sat at $1,809 and median weekly rents were $371, both tracking below Melbourne metro averages of $2,000 and $390. Across Australia as a whole, Coldstream's mortgage obligations sit below the national average of $1,863, and rents remain under the nationwide standard of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Coldstream (Vic.) counted 753 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 38% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the vast majority of local households at 81.0%, comprising couples with children at 37.7%, couples without children at 30.3%, and single parent families at 11.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 19.0%, consisting of lone person households (17.4%) and group households (2.1%). With an average of 2.8 people per dwelling, household size exceeds the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.4% of adults in Coldstream (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 10.5% with a bachelor degree and 3.0% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 34.2% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 109 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,030 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment indicates an area for development, with higher education qualification rates at 15.4%, lagging behind the Greater Melbourne figure of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees represent the most common tertiary attainment at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate awards at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and practical credentials are widespread, with 44.9% of residents aged 15 and above possessing technical qualifications, split between certificates (34.2%) and advanced diplomas (10.7%). Participation across educational institutions is substantial, with 27.4% of the local population engaged in study. This includes 10.5% attending primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.0% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Coldstream (Vic.) reaches 15 stops on 3 routes, timetabled for about 620 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 2.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity in Coldstream is supported by 15 active stops serviced by a selection of buses across 3 distinct routes, generating 622 weekly scheduled trips. Stop accessibility is favorable, with residents living an average of 224 meters from their closest boarding point. Reflecting its residential nature, outward commuting is standard, with private vehicles accounting for 92% of travel. Car ownership sits at an average of 2.1 per dwelling, exceeding the broader regional figure. Additionally, 21.1% of workers carried out their jobs from home according to the 2021 Census, subject to prevailing COVID-19 settings.
Bus networks provide an average of 88 trips per day across all available routes, resulting in roughly 41 weekly departures for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.9% of residents in Coldstream (Vic.) report no long-term health condition. 4.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
General health indicators for Coldstream reflect favorable outcomes, with AreaSearch analysis of health conditions and mortality rates aligning closely with national averages. The prevalence of standard health conditions is consistent across younger and older demographics, while private health insurance coverage is solid at approximately 54% of the population (~1,195 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Asthma and mental health disorders represent the most frequently reported conditions locally, experienced by 10.2% and 8.4% of residents, while 66.9% reported no diagnosed medical issues compared to 72.6% regionally. Chronic condition rates among working-age citizens trend above typical benchmarks.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 17.7% of the community (389 people), surpassing Greater Melbourne's 15.1%, with seniors recording exceptionally favorable health rankings against broader nationwide figures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Coldstream (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 87.4% of residents, with 4.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.4%) and Australian (30.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Coldstream displays lower cultural diversity than typical benchmarks, with 87.4% of citizens born in Australia, 92.0% holding Australian citizenship, and 95.8% speaking exclusively English in the home. Christianity stands as the primary religious affiliation, representing 40.8% of the community. In contrast, Judaism recorded no adherents locally, compared to a 1.0% representation across Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental ancestry, English ancestry leads locally at 32.4% (well above the regional 20.1%), followed by Australian ancestry at 30.6% (compared to 18.4% across the region), and Scottish heritage at 7.7%. Other distinct ancestral representations include Dutch at 3.5% (versus 1.2% regionally), French at 0.7% (versus 0.5%), and Hungarian at 0.5% (versus 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Coldstream (Vic.) is 37. 26.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Coldstream's age distribution closely mirrors Greater Melbourne, with the most pronounced cohort difference being 4.1 percentage points. AreaSearch calculates a median age of 37 as at August 2026, remaining stable since the 2021 Census and matching the Greater Melbourne median of 37 from that same Census. The most notable movement across broad brackets involves the 45 - 64 age group, which declined from 24.2% to an estimated 22.6%. Looking forward to 2041, senior cohorts aged 65+ are projected to drive local growth, increasing by 122 residents (31%) to reach 512.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Coldstream (Vic.)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 3 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,199 at the 2021 Census → 2,201 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20613). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.