Coolaroo

An assessment of population growth drivers in Coolaroo reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Coolaroo statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at around 3,425 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 232 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,193. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,335 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was calculated as 1,090 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Coolaroo (SA2)'s growth rate of 7.3% since the census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the national average of 9.7%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of national areas. The Coolaroo (SA2) is expected to grow by 1,213 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 31.4% in total over the 17 years from 2025 to 2041.

The level of residential development activity in Coolaroo is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Coolaroo averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 67 homes. As of June 2022, six approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $356,000. Additionally, $51.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Coolaroo records markedly lower building activity, 68.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. New development consists of 47.0% detached dwellings and 53.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points and suit downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 91.0% houses.

With around 502 people per dwelling approval, Coolaroo shows a developed market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Coolaroo to grow by 1,075 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified eight major projects potentially influencing the area. Key initiatives include Time & Place Campbellfield Industrial Development, Meadow Heights Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Assembly Broadmeadows, and Upfield Corridor - Rail Extension to Roxburgh Park. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Coolaroo face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Coolaroo has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented.

The unemployment rate was 15.5% in the past year. Employment grew by 2.5%. As of September 2025, 1,011 residents are working while the unemployment rate is 10.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 39.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. Transport, postal & warehousing has notably high concentration with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Professional & technical employs only 4.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There are 1.1 workers for every resident, indicating Coolaroo functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and labour force grew by 2.7%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded higher employment growth of 3.0%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest a national expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coolaroo's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Coolaroo is below the national average. The median income is $39,604 and the average income stands at $47,950. In contrast, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Coolaroo would be approximately $42,871 (median) and $51,906 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Coolaroo all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 29.2% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (1,000 residents), while in the metropolitan region, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

Coolaroo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Coolaroo, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolaroo stood at 37.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.6%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,324, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,834. The median weekly rent was $335, compared to Melbourne metro's $369. Nationally, Coolaroo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Coolaroo has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.4% of all households, including 33.0% couples with children, 15.9% couples without children, and 20.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.2.

Coolaroo faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (16.9%). Educational participation is high, with 31.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 42 active stops in Coolaroo offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 9 routes, facilitating 3,626 weekly passenger trips. Residential accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 144 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 518 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Coolaroo is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Coolaroo faces significant health challenges with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages, particularly among older age groups. As of 2021, approximately 46% (~1572 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Melbourne's 49.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (7.9%), while 66.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 76.3% in Greater Melbourne.

Coolaroo has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.5% (667 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.8%. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Coolaroo is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Coolaroo has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 49.1% born overseas and 63.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 39.9% of residents, but Islam is notably higher than the Greater Melbourne average at 35.7%. The top three ancestry groups are Other (42.3%), Australian (15.5%), and English (12.4%).

Some ethnic groups have significant representation: Lebanese at 7.0%, Maltese at 1.9%, and Vietnamese at 2.1%.

Coolaroo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coolaroo has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and remaining close to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group is strongly represented in Coolaroo at 7.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne. The 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent in Coolaroo at 13.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.6% to 13.3% of Coolaroo's population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Coolaroo's age structure. Notably, the 65-74 group is projected to grow by 62%, reaching 465 people from 287.