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 Coolaroo is estimated at around 3,424 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 231 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,193 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,335 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,090 persons per square kilometer. Coolaroo's growth rate of 7.2% since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the national average (9.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 77.0%.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted employing weighted aggregation method for areas not covered by ABS data. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Coolaroo, expected to reach 4,725 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 32.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Coolaroo, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Coolaroo has seen approximately 13 new homes approved per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 67 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $356,000. In the current financial year, $51.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Coolaroo records significantly lower building activity, with 68.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition of 91.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles driving demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 503 people per dwelling approval, Coolaroo shows a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Coolaroo is projected to add approximately 1,112 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the future.

Coolaroo has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact this region. Notable 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 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 drivers in Coolaroo are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Coolaroo has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 12.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%.

As of December 2025, 1,031 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 43.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Home-based workers comprised a low 13.0%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing, with strong specialization in the latter (2.0 times the regional level).

Professional & technical services employed just 4.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. There was a ratio of 1.1 workers per resident, indicating the area functions as an employment hub attracting external workers. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, while labour force remained stable at 0.0%, leading to a unemployment fall of 3.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Coolaroo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Coolaroo had a median taxpayer income of $39,604 and an average income of $47,950. This is lower than the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 for Greater Melbourne respectively. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth indicate median incomes would be approximately $42,871 and average incomes around $51,906. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Coolaroo are between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.2% of locals (999 people) earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, unlike surrounding regions where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range. Housing affordability is severe in Coolaroo, with only 80.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Coolaroo, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coolaroo was 37.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented dwellings at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,324, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Coolaroo was $335, while Melbourne metro recorded $390. 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 among residents aged 15+, with 25.5% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (16.9%). Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.0%), secondary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (4.9%).

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

Transport analysis indicates 43 active public transport stops in Coolaroo, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes that together facilitate 3,626 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed excellent, with residents typically residing just 144 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 80% of residents, while trains are used by 14%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 518 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 84 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, as shown by AreaSearch's assessment. The prevalence of common health conditions is substantially higher than average and even more so among older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,571 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.5% and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 66.8% reported having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. However, 20.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (701 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally 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 a population where 49.1% were born overseas, with 63.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Coolaroo, comprising 39.9% of its population. Islam is significantly overrepresented at 35.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (42.3%), Australian (15.5%), and English (12.4%). Notably, Lebanese (7.0%) Maltese (1.9%), and Vietnamese (2.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 1.1%, and 1.9% respectively.

Coolaroo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coolaroo has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and remaining comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 7.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's representation. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 13.1% to 14.0%. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 14.6% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coolaroo's age structure. Notably, the 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 53%, reaching 470 people from 308.