Collingwood (Vic.)

Collingwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Collingwood (Vic.) is around 11,162. This reflects a growth of 1,983 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,179. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date, is 11,145. This results in a density ratio of 8,789 persons per square kilometer, placing Collingwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 21.6% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state level. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% to overall population gains, with other factors such as interstate migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch projections for Collingwood are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends predict exceptional growth, placing Collingwood in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, with an expected increase of 6,885 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 61.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Collingwood recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Collingwood shows an average of approximately 41 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 208 homes. In FY-26 so far, one approval has been recorded. This results in about 6.3 people moving to the area annually for each new dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. Commercial development approvals have reached $182.3 million this financial year.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Collingwood has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 9th percentile nationally in terms of buyer choice. New building activity consists mainly of townhouses or apartments (96%) with only 4% standalone homes. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for various buyers. With around 1966 people per dwelling approval, Collingwood reflects a mature market.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Collingwood's population is expected to grow by approximately 6868 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match this projected population growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Cambridge Street Collingwood Development, Derby Street Apartment Development, 21 Northumberland Street Mixed-Use Development, and 240 Wellington Street Public Housing Renewal. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Collingwood has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Collingwood has a highly educated workforce. The unemployment rate was 9.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%. As of December 2025, 7,487 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 82.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 53.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical services show strong specialization with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, while construction has lower representation at 4.0% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

There are 1.5 workers for every resident, indicating Collingwood functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force grew by 4.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Collingwood's employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Collingwood suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $70,312 and an average income of $89,360. These figures are significantly higher than national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from July 2023 to September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $76,113 and an average income of around $96,732 in Collingwood suburb as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, individual earnings at the 95th percentile nationally stood at $1,338 weekly. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates in Collingwood suburb with 32.2% of residents (3,594 people), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Economic strength is evident through 33.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Collingwood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Collingwood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 5.8% houses and 94.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collingwood was 11.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.2% and rented ones at 65.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Collingwood was $425, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Collingwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Collingwood features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 46.6% of all households, including 8.9% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 53.4%, with lone person households at 42.6% and group households comprising 10.8%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Collingwood shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Collingwood's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 60.2% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 9.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in tertiary education, 4.7% in primary education, and 3.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Collingwood shows that there are currently 20 operational transport stops. These comprise a mix of light rail and bus services. There are 30 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 9,893 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest stop. As Collingwood is primarily residential, most commuting is outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport remains cars at 45%, followed by walking at 20% and cycling at 9%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, with this figure standing at 53.0%. This may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,413 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 494 weekly trips per individual stop.

Collingwood's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Collingwood residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 62% (6,924 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 12.6% and 9.4% respectively. 71.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. The area has 8.3% (926 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes rank higher than the general population nationally.

Collingwood 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

Collingwood's cultural diversity is notable, with 26.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Collingwood, comprising 21.8% of people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.8% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.4%), Australian (15.7%), and Other (14.7%). Vietnamese, French, and Polish ethnicities show notable divergences in representation: Vietnamese at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 1.9%, French at 0.8% versus 0.5%, and Polish at 1.0% against a regional figure of 0.8%.

Collingwood's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

At 34 years, Collingwood's median age is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Collingwood has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds (34.1%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (5.2%). This concentration is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 19.1% to 20.4%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 36.4% to 34.1%. Population forecasts for Collingwood in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the strongest growth projected in the 25 to 34 age group (41%), adding 1,541 residents to reach a total of 5,348.