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, reflecting an increase of 1,983 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 21.6% increase from the previous population count of 9,179. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 11,145 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 8,789 persons per square kilometer, placing Collingwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with interstate migration and natural growth also being positive factors. The suburb's growth rate of 21.6% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and utilising VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 for areas not covered by this data. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period from 2026 to 2041, with the area expected to grow by 6,881 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 61.5% in total population over these 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Collingwood has experienced around 41 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 208 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, one approval has been recorded. With an average of 6.3 people moving to the area for each dwelling built during this period, supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $1,543,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $182.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, showing high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Collingwood has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 9th percentile nationally when measured for buyer choice, suggesting relatively constrained options supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity shows 4.0% standalone homes and 96.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 1966 people per dwelling approval, Collingwood reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, Collingwood is expected to grow by 6,864 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 44 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Cambridge Street Collingwood Development, Derby Street Apartment Development, 21 Northumberland Street Mixed-Use Development, and the 240 Wellington Street Public Housing Renewal project. The following list details those projects considered 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.

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

Collingwood's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 9.0% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 4.6%. As of September 2025, there were 7,443 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, exceeding Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was high at 81.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Home workership was high at 53.0%. Leading industries were professional & technical (strongly specialized), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction showed lower representation at 4.0% versus the regional average of 9.7%.

There were 1.5 workers per resident as of the Census. Employment increased by 4.6% over a year alongside labour force growth of 5.4%, raising unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project local employment increases of 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Collingwood's 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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Collingwood suburb had median income among taxpayers at $70,312 and average income at $89,360. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. As of September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $76,113 and average income is around $96,732 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023. In 2021 Census figures, Collingwood's individual earnings stood at the 95th percentile nationally with a weekly income of $1,338. Income analysis shows that 32.2% of residents (3,594 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, consistent with broader regional trends at 32.8%. Economic strength is evident with 33.1% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending in the area. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally. The suburb'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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 5.8% houses and 94.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collingwood stood at 11.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.2% and rented ones at 65.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Collingwood was $425, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Collingwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus Australia's 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 make up the remaining 53.4%, with lone person households at 42.6% and group households comprising 10.8% of the total. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6 people.

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

Collingwood's educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 60.2% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. This high level of educational attainment positions Collingwood favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. 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 among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas making up 8.7% and certificates 9.8%. Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents 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

Collingwood has 20 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of light rail and bus services, with a total of 30 individual routes providing 9,893 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 177 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using various modes of transportation. Cars remain the dominant mode at 45%, while walking accounts for 20% and cycling makes up 9%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.4, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, specifically 53.0%, work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,413 trips per day, 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 relatively positive outcomes for Collingwood residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions indicates results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (6,924 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.6 and 9.4% of residents respectively, while 71.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 8.2% of residents aged 65 and over (915 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

The top three ancestry groups in Collingwood are English (22.4%), Australian (15.7%), and Other (14.7%). Notably, Vietnamese (3.2%), French (0.8%), and Polish (1.0%) are overrepresented compared to regional percentages of 1.9%, 0.5%, and 0.8% respectively.

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

At 34 years, Collingwood's median age is somewhat lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Collingwood has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (34.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.1%). This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 19.1% to 20.5% of Collingwood's total population. Conversely, the population aged 25 to 34 has declined from 36.4% to 34.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Collingwood. The strongest projected growth is in the 25 to 34 age group, with an increase of 40%, adding 1,538 residents to reach a total of 5,345 residents in this age bracket by that year.