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

The population of the suburb of Collingwood (Vic.), as of May 2026, is estimated to be around 11,383. This figure represents an increase of 2,204 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,179. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch was derived from the examination of the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release and an additional 115 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 8,963 persons per square kilometer, placing Collingwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 24.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average of 9.3% and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of Collingwood's overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made through 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 population trends indicate exceptional growth, with the suburb expected to grow by 6,365 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 55.9% in total over these 16 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. By FY-26, there have been two approvals so far. On average, about 6.3 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply is lagging demand. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $1,543,000, targeting the premium segment with upmarket dwellings.

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, suggesting constrained buyer choice favouring existing dwellings. New building activity comprises mostly townhouses or apartments (96%), with standalone homes making up only 4%. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 1966 people per dwelling approval, Collingwood reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Collingwood's population will grow by approximately 6,365 residents by 2041. 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 potential impact projects. Notable ones include Walk Up Village, 40R Rokeby Place, Acteo Group Collingwood Showroom, and Derby Street by Milieu. The following list details those likely to be most 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's workforce is highly educated with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 9.3% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 3.8%. As of December 2025, 7,487 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.6%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was high at 81.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant 53.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment industries included professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with professional & technical showing strong specialization at 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, construction was lower than average at 4.0%.

The area hosted more jobs than residents, with a ratio of 1.5 workers per resident. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force grew by 4.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Collingwood's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Collingwood had a median taxpayer income of $70,312 and an average income of $89,360. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the Greater Melbourne averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By March 2026, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $77,076 and $97,956 based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. The 2021 Census data shows Collingwood's individual earnings are at the 95th percentile nationally ($1,338 weekly). Income analysis reveals that 32.2% of residents (3,665 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, consistent with regional levels at 32.8%. Economic strength is evident with 33.1% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, but strong earnings 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 contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 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, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Collingwood was $425, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Collingwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 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 constitute 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 comprise 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, which is 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 residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than national averages. Specifically, 60.2% of Collingwood residents hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This high level of educational attainment is dominated by bachelor degrees (38.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5%, with advanced diplomas making up 8.7% and certificates 9.8%.

Educational participation in Collingwood is notably 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, a mix of light rail and buses. These are served by 30 routes, offering 9,893 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 45%, followed by walking (20%) and cycling (9%). Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.4, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 53% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,413 trips daily 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. Common health conditions are low across younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is high at 62% of the total population (7,062 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Nationally, it averages 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 12.6% of residents, followed by asthma at 9.4%. 71.4% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has 7.4% seniors (842 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes rank high 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 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 people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.8% of Collingwood's population versus 1.0%.

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

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

Collingwood's median age is 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 (34.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Collingwood's population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 19.1% to 21.0%, while the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 36.4% to 34.7%. The proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has also dropped, from 11.2% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for Collingwood indicate substantial demographic changes by the year 2041. The most significant projected growth is in the 25-34 age group, with an increase of 36%, adding 1,419 residents to reach a total of 5,369.