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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Collingwood's population is estimated at around 11,293 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,114 people (23.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,179 people in the suburb of Collingwood (Vic.). The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,145 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,892 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Collingwood's 23.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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. Exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the area expected to grow by 6,881 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 59.6% in total 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 shows Collingwood had approximately 41 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 208 homes. In FY-26 to date, one approval has been recorded. On average, 6.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties, as evidenced by an average construction value of $1,543,000 per dwelling.

This financial year has seen $182.3 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Collingwood has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 9th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice favouring existing dwellings. New building activity consists of 4.0% standalone homes and 96.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and affordability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 1966 people per dwelling approval, Collingwood reflects a highly mature market.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the suburb will grow by approximately 6733 residents, potentially outpacing current development rates and heightening buyer competition while supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 45 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 relevant.

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

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Collingwood has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Collingwood's workforce is highly educated with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 9.1% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment grew by 5.6% in the same period. As of June 2025, 7,465 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is high at 74.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 4.0% versus the regional average of 9.7%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident, indicating the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, employment increased by 5.6% while labour force grew by 7.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Collingwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 2022, Collingwood had a median income among taxpayers of $70,312. The average income stood at $89,360. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the respective levels of $54,892 and $73,761 across Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income would be approximately $78,862 as of September 2025, with the average income estimated at $100,226 during the same period. According to 2021 Census figures, individual earnings stand out at the 95th percentile nationally, reaching $1,338 weekly. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates in Collingwood, with 32.2% of residents (3,636 people) falling within this category, 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, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally. 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, consisted of 5.8% houses and 94.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 12.8% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Collingwood was at 11.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.2% and rented ones at 65.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,326. Median weekly rent in Collingwood was $425, compared to Melbourne metro's $451. Nationally, Collingwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus 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% that are couples with children, 29.3% that are couples without children, and 7.0% that are 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 2.0.

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

Collingwood's educational attainment exceeds national averages significantly. 60.2% of residents aged 15+ possess university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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, including 12.1% in tertiary, 4.7% in primary, and 3.1% in secondary education. Collingwood's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,163 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 967). The educational mix includes one primary school and three K-12 schools.

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. There are 31 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 10,840 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 176 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,548 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 542 weekly trips per individual stop.

Collingwood's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Collingwood. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (7,006 people), compared to 69.8% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

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 70.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 7.7% of residents aged 65 and over (869 people), which is lower than the 12.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Collingwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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 predominant religion in Collingwood, making up 21.8% of people. Judaism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.8% of Collingwood's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.4%), Australian (15.7%), and Other (14.7%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Vietnamese (3.2% vs regional 2.4%), French (0.8% vs 0.8%), and Polish (1.0% vs 0.9%) are overrepresented in Collingwood.

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

Collingwood has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Collingwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (34.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Collingwood's population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 19.1% to 20.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 36.4% to 34.8%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Collingwood, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age group, which is expected to grow by 36%, adding 1,415 residents to reach a total of 5,345.